Feed the Need: Tackling food insecurity in statewide food drive competition

Students learn best when their mind and body are fueled by food. College of Lake County’s (CLC) SHARE Markets make sure students have an option when they need a bite to eat and even a bag of groceries for home. CLC is participating in the Illinois Community College Board’s statewide Feed the Need Food Drive initiative, a competition running through Nov. 30, to help address hunger and food insecurity on college campuses.

The Feed the Need Food Drive aims to stock campus food pantries in preparation for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season so they can offer a wider variety of items for students before winter break. In addition to providing essential support, the initiative also helps raise awareness about food insecurity and encourages more community donations.

“Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many college students and their families,” said Director of Student Academic Success Dr. Eric Tammes "The Feed the Need Food Drive helps raise awareness and encourages more donations to support those in need.”

CLC has SHARE Market locations at the Grayslake Campus and Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan. Students at the Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills can request groceries delivered to them on campus.

At the SHARE Markets, students can come in and get one snack per day and groceries once a week. All students can participate, regardless of their need. 1,379 students made 8,782 visits to the SHARE Market in the 2024-25 academic year.

“The SHARE Markets provide something here and now to fuel learning, and when students go back home, they can even take something for their family to offer additional support,” Student Academic Success Specialist Denize Barrientes said. “Every student’s needs are different, and the money they save can go toward things like childcare or transportation."

The SHARE Markets are stocked by donations from community members, faculty and staff, as well as donations from Amazon. Items are purchased at stores and at a discount through GiveNKind, which provides essential products to Chicagoland nonprofits.

Community members have several ways to support the Feed the Need Food Drive, in addition to dropping items off at campus. The SHARE Markets have an Amazon Wishlist, which allows supporters to order items online and have them shipped directly to the college. Additionally, those who prefer to give financially can make a monetary contribution to the CLC Foundation.

Items can be dropped off at the Grayslake and Lakeshores Campus Welcome and One Stop Centers, the Southlake Campus and Student Support Center or room 112 at the Advanced Technology Center.

Click here for the SHARE Markets’ Feed the Need food drive wishlist.