Moraine Valley Community College is joining community colleges across Illinois this fall to help address food insecurity through the third annual Feed the Need food drive. Moraine Valley is collecting nonperishable food items on campus through Nov. 30, with donations benefiting the college’s Project Care Food Pantry.
The statewide initiative, organized by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), engages campuses in friendly competition to serve a critical need. Last year, Illinois community colleges collectively donated more than 180,000 food items to support students and families across the state, nearly doubling the 91,000 items collected in the inaugural 2024 effort.
“In 2025, we collected over 9,000 nonperishable food items, hygiene and personal care products thanks to the generosity of our students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Scott Friedman, dean of Student Engagement at Moraine Valley. “Food insecurity continues to be an issue for college students nationwide. Friendly competitions like Feed the Need help stock Project Care so we never have to turn a student away.”
Donation boxes are located in buildings throughout the college’s main campus in Palos Hills, as well as at its Southwest Education Center in Tinley Park and the Education Center in Blue Island. Students, faculty, staff and community members can participate by dropping off non-perishable food items during the drive.
“Over the past two years, Feed the Need has grown into a tremendous statewide effort, demonstrating what Illinois community colleges can accomplish when we come together around a shared purpose,” said Brian Durham, ICCB executive director. “We encourage every college to get involved and help us build on the momentum we have created.”
According to a national student basic needs survey, as many as 40% of community college students nationally face food insecurity, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Feed the Need. By working together, Illinois community colleges are demonstrating their commitment to student well-being and to the communities they call home.
“Feed the Need reflects the very best of our community college system: colleges supporting their students, responding to the needs of their communities and working together to make a greater impact. The growth of this effort over the past two years has been inspiring,” said ICCB board chair and president emerita of Moraine Valley, Dr. Sylvia Jenkins.
The following household and hygiene items are most needed by the Project Care Food Pantry:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and soap bars
- Razors and shaving cream
- Feminine products
- Mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss
- Mini detergents and laundry items
- Cleaning supplies
- Small packs of toilet paper and individual paper towels
- Hats, gloves and socks
- Deodorant, Q-tips and face wash
- Bandages and first-aid items
- Combs and nail clippers
The following food items are most needed by the Project Care Food Pantry:
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Dry rice, lentils and chickpeas
- Cooking oil, spices and herbs
- Condiments (ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce, dressings)
- Pantry staples (flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and bread crumbs)
- Individual microwaveable meals
- Canned fruits (variety)
- Individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, crackers and nuts)
- Boxed meals (pasta kits, skillet meals, etc.)
Please check the expiration date before donating. For more information about Feed the Need or Moraine Valley’s Project Care Food Pantry, contact Jessica Contreras at contrerasj76@morainevalley.edu.
For news media inquiries, contact Joshua Lahey, Moraine Valley communications specialist, at (708) 974-5652 or laheyj5@morainevalley.edu.
