The Office of Volunteer Programs is co-sponsoring the Campus and Community Food Drive with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, iHelp and Student Alumni Ambassadors on Saturday, Sept. 24 and Tuesday, Sept. 27.
This year’s collection goal is 3,000 meals, with every 1.2 pounds of food equaling one meal. The state of hunger in Illinois is alarming: 22 percent of children live in poverty, 33 percent of the population is in poverty or very close to it, and 7 percent are in extreme poverty. In Champaign County, 40,848 people live in poverty.
“This year, we are modifying what was previously known as Cans Across the Quad,” said John Race, program advisor for the Office of Volunteer Programs. “We are excited about this new format and think it will be more accessible for people to participate in and meet our goal.”
Participants should bring nonperishable packaged or canned goods. Meats and fish, complete meals, fruit and peanut butter are the most requested items. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will collect all donations at the end of the event and distribute the contributions to food shelters across the county.
Drop-off times are Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Quad and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center. On Tuesday, donations will be accepted at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Quad is located directly south of the Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana. The Alice Campbell Alumni Center is located at 601 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana. Cans that are dented, rusted or expired cannot be accepted.
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