Triton College Joins Statewide Food Drive to Combat Student Hunger

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Triton College is joining community colleges across Illinois this fall to help address food insecurity through the annual Feed the Need campus food drive.

Through Dec. 1, Triton will accept nonperishable food items on campus, with donations benefiting Triton’s food pantry, Troy Mart.

The statewide initiative, organized by the Illinois Community College Board, 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.

“A lot of our students have the drive to come to school and better themselves, but there may be bumps in the road as they try to sustain themselves,” said Dean of Students Julia Willis. “It’s hard to learn on an empty stomach. So being able to provide our students with a meal is a small thing, but it makes a huge difference.”

Donations can be made at:

• Troy Mart, Building A, Room 106
• The Office of Student Life, Building B, Room 240

Nonfood items such as deodorant, soap, feminine hygiene products and small toiletries can also be donated and dropped off at Student Life.

Troy Mart provides food and hygiene supplies to students facing financial challenges and food insecurity. The food pantry offers a variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options, as well as personal care items.

Troy Mart is a key component of the Troy Care Collective, a network of services aimed at promoting student well-being and success by offering support in critical areas including housing, transportation and access to clean clothes.

“Being able to have something to eat, and to be able to afford it — that’s the barrier,” Willis said. “By joining together, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students. When we care for the whole student, we support the whole journey.”

Donating food items such as canned goods, packaged snacks, frozen meals and bottles of water will help ensure students have access to meals during the holiday season and beyond.

For more information about the Troy Care Collective, visit Student Services on Triton College’s website at triton.edu/students/student-services.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at triton.edu.

ABOUT 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.