Moraine Valley Community College is joining community colleges across Illinois this fall to help address food insecurity through the second annual Feed The Need Food Drive. From Oct. 15 to Dec. 1, Moraine Valley will collect nonperishable food items on campus, with donations benefiting the college’s Project Care Food Pantry.
The statewide initiative, organized by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), engages
campuses in a friendly competition while serving a critical need. Last year, Illinois community colleges collectively donated more than 91,000 food items to support students and families across the state.
“I am appreciative of the Moraine Valley community for supporting this important initiative across community colleges in Illinois. The Project Care Food Pantry has been stocked through the generosity of our students, faculty, staff and community members,” said Dr. Scott Friedman, dean of Student Engagement at Moraine Valley. “Thank you to every donor for providing unexpired, nonperishable food items that will reduce food insecurity on our campus.”
Donation boxes can be found in buildings across the college’s Palos Hills campus, and students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to participate by dropping off nonperishable food items and household/hygiene items through Dec. 1.
“Food insecurity remains one of the biggest barriers to student success. By joining forces across the state, community colleges can make a meaningful difference not only on campus, but also in the communities they serve,” said Brian Durham, executive director of the ICCB.
According to recent studies, as many as 39% of community college students nationally face food insecurity, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Feed The Need. By working together, Illinois community colleges demonstrate their commitment to student well-being and the communities they call home.
“Feed The Need represents the mission of community colleges—meeting students where they are, addressing real challenges and building stronger communities together,” added ICCB Board Chair and president emerita of Moraine Valley, Dr. Sylvia Jenkins.
All donations collected will support Moraine Valley’s Project Care Food Pantry, which has seen a 77% increase in student use and a 71% rise in food pantry visits since last November. Donations will ensure students and local families have access to meals during the school year, holiday season and beyond.
The following household and hygiene items are most needed for Moraine Valley’s Project Care Food Pantry:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and soap bars
- Razors and shaving cream
- Feminine products
- Mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrush 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 for the Project Care Food Pantry:
- Cereal, breakfast bars, oatmeal, pancake mix or syrup
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Cooking oil, spices and herbs
- Condiments (ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauce, dressings)
- Pantry staples (flour, sugar, salt, baking soda and yeast)
- Instant rice packets
- Nuts and dried fruits
- Canned fruits (variety)
- Canned chicken
- Chickpeas and canned beans
- Single-serve meals and items (ramen, tuna and crackers)
For more information about Feed The Need or Moraine Valley’s Project Care Food Pantry, contact Jessica Contreras at contrerasj76@morainevalley.edu.
For media inquiries, contact Joshua Lahey, communications specialist, at (708) 974-5652 or laheyj5@morainevalley.edu.
