Kaskaskia College Food Drive Collects 1,540 Items to Support KC Snack Station as Part of Statewide “Feed The Need” Campaign

Centralia, IL - Kaskaskia College recently concluded its annual districtwide food drive, collecting 1,540 items totaling 388 pounds to support the KC Snack Station, a resource that helps combat food insecurity for students at the Main Campus, each of the College's five education centers, and the Crisp Manufacturing & Trades Center. Additional items were donated to a local food bank, extending the reach of the effort into the surrounding community.

This year's drive was part of the Illinois Community College Boards (ICCB) statewide Feed the Need campaign, an initiative encouraging community colleges across Illinois to support students and community members experiencing food insecurity. KC's participation highlights the College's continued commitment to ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

Established in 2019, the KC Snack Station provides free grab-and-go snacks for students who may be facing food insecurity or balancing long days on campus between classes, work, and family obligations. The station has become an essential support system, helping students stay energized, focused, and engaged.

To bring energy and awareness to the campaign, KC incorporated a friendly and messy competition among departments. Collection boxes were placed, and those whose boxes collected the most food earned a whipped-cream pie to the face. This year's winners included:

• Kylee Williams, IT Director
• Chris Holloway, Executive Director of Campus Operations
• Nathan Young, Theatre Professor
• Mark Kohnen, HVAC Professor
• Eric Howard, Welding Instructor
• Joy Fitts, Dean of Workforce Engagement

"The Snack Station has a direct impact on student well-being," said Steven Foutch, KC Dean of Student Success. "Food insecurity is a real barrier for many of our students. Knowing they can grab something quickly and at no cost allows them to stay in class, stay focused, and stay on track academically. Every donation makes a meaningful difference."

KC Student Activities Director Kali Michael said the drive showcased the generosity and competitive spirit of the KC community.

"The challenge brought out a fun sense of rivalry, but more importantly, it reminded everyone why we do this," Michael said. "Our students and staff truly care about supporting one another, and the impact of that shows in how enthusiastically they participated."

Donations will be distributed across all KC locations throughout December and early January to ensure the Snack Stations are fully stocked ahead of the Spring 2025 semester.

Kaskaskia College extends its appreciation to all students, employees, and community members who contributed to this year's drive and helped make the ICCBs' statewide effort a success.