Elgin Community College Joins Second Annual Feed The Need Food Drive

Elgin, IL (October 15, 2025) — Elgin Community College (ECC) is joining community colleges across Illinois this fall to help address food insecurity through the second annual Feed The Need Campus Food Drive. From October 15 through December 1, 2025, the college will collect non-perishable food items on campus, with donations benefiting ECC Spartan Food Pantry and local food banks in the area.

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.

“At ECC, we recognize that students can’t thrive academically if their basic needs aren’t met,” said Amybeth Maurer, assistant dean of the student experience and engagement. “Feed The Need is a powerful reminder that when we come together as a campus and community, we can make a meaningful difference for students and families facing food insecurity. Every donation—big or small—helps fuel student success.”

Donations can be dropped off in Building B, Room 173, at the ECC Student Life department’s front desk. ECC is located at 1700 Spartan Dr. in Elgin.

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to participate by dropping off non-perishable food items throughout the drive.

The college with the highest total will be recognized at the ICCB Board Meeting on January 16, 2026. Last year, ECC came in second place with a total of 17,917 items donated to our Spartan Pantry.

“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 Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).

Most Needed Food Items:

• Snack grab-and-go items
• Canned fruits 
• Beans
• Soups
• Meats
• Pasta 
• Grains
• Instant potatoes
• Oatmeal
• Stuffing 
• Dry milk 
• Spices 
• Tortillas
• Rice mixes 

Toiletries needed most: 

• Deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Toothbrushes 
• Toothpaste (Adult and kids' sizes)

“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 Dr. Sylvia Jenkins.

According to recent studies, as many as 39 percent 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.

All donations collected at ECC will directly support our Spartan Food Pantry, ensuring students and local families have access to meals during the holiday season and beyond.

About the Feed The Need Food Drive

Launched in 2024, the Feed The Need Food Drive is a systemwide effort led by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) to address food insecurity on campuses across Illinois. The friendly competition engages all 39 community college districts in collecting food donations to benefit local food pantries and student support services.