College students juggling tuition, textbooks and other expenses can find it difficult to afford groceries and basic necessities. Moraine Valley Community College is working to ease that burden by helping keep its campus food pantry stocked.
“Food insecurity continues to be an issue for college students nationwide,” said Dr. Scott Friedman, dean of Student Engagement at Moraine Valley. “Friendly competitions like Feed the Need help stock Project Care so we never have to turn a student away.”
The college is participating in the third annual Feed the Need food drive through Nov. 30. Donations of nonperishable food, hygiene products and household essentials will benefit Project Care Food Pantry, which helps students access items they may otherwise struggle to afford.
Last year, Moraine Valley collected more than 9,000 food items, hygiene products and personal care supplies, thanks to contributions from students, faculty and staff. The college hopes to build on that effort as the statewide campaign returns this fall.
Organized by the Illinois Community College Board, Feed the Need brings community colleges across Illinois together in a friendly competition to collect donations. The initiative has gained momentum since its launch in 2024, when participating colleges collected 91,000 food items. In 2025, the statewide total grew to more than 180,000 items.
The need extends beyond food. Students experiencing financial difficulties may also struggle to afford shampoo, toothpaste, laundry detergent and other everyday products that can strain an already tight budget. National survey data indicate that as many as 40% of community college students experience food insecurity, highlighting the challenges some face while pursuing their education.
Donation boxes are available throughout Moraine Valley’s main campus in Palos Hills, as well as at the Southwest Education Center in Tinley Park and the Education Center in Blue Island. Students, employees and community members can contribute through Nov. 30.
Project Care Food Pantry is seeking a variety of nonperishable foods, including pasta, pasta sauce, rice, lentils, chickpeas, cooking oil, spices, condiments, flour and sugar. Canned fruit, boxed meal kits, individual microwaveable meals and individually wrapped snacks, such as granola bars, crackers and nuts, also are needed.
Personal care and household products are just as important. Requested donations include shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, razors, shaving cream, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. The pantry also needs toilet paper, paper towels, hats, gloves, socks and basic first-aid supplies. Mouthwash, dental floss, cotton swabs, face wash, combs and nail clippers are among the additional items students can use.
The statewide effort reflects the role community colleges play in supporting students beyond the classroom. Brian Durham, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board, said the growing response to Feed the Need demonstrates what colleges can accomplish when they work together.
“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,” Durham said.
Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, chair of the Illinois Community College Board and president emerita of Moraine Valley, also praised the initiative’s growth and its focus on student well-being.
“The growth of this effort over the past two years has been inspiring,” Jenkins said.