Illinois Campus Food Drive: December 1-14
Free Food & Necessities to All Students
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is hosting a campus wide food drive to support the Food Assistance & Well-Being Program.
The shopping-style pantry—located at the Activities and Recreational Center (ARC) and Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE)—provides free food and necessities to all students in a welcoming space.
- This program ensures no student must choose between education and a meal.
- Your gift helps fill the gap between what a student has and what they need.
Direct any questions to Student Affairs at studentaffairs@illinois.edu.
How Your Donation Helps
According to American College Health Association's Student Health Data 2024, up to 50% of college students have experienced some form of food insecurity. Additionally, 28.1% of students report having eaten less than they felt they should because there wasn’t enough money for food.
- A $20 donation provides at least 20 servings of healthy food
- A $40 donation provides at least 40 servings of healthy food
- A $60 donation provides at least 60 servings of healthy food
- An $80 donation provides at least 80 servings of healthy food
- A $100 donation provides at least 100 servings of healthy food
Campus Donation Drop-Off Locations
The locations listed below are accepting unopened, unexpired food items and key necessities (e.g., feminine hygiene products and dental hygiene products).
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
Donations can be dropped off at the Member Services desk in the ARC.
Address: 201 E Peabody Dr., Champaign, IL 61820
Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE)
Donations can be dropped off in the lobby of the building.
Address: 1102 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801
Campus Instructional Facility (CIF)
Donations can be dropped off in the box will be located outside of classroom 1038.
Address: 1405 W. Springfield Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
College of ACES — Mumford Hall
Address: 1301 Gregory Dr., Urbana, IL 61801
College of FAA — Harding Band Building
Boxes are located at each building entrance.
Address: 1103 S. Sixth Street, Champaign, IL 61820
College of Education
Address: Education Bldg., 1310 S. 6th St., Champaign, IL 61820
Division of Exploratory Studies
Address: Illini Union Bookstore (Floor 5) 807 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820
Ice Arena
Donations can be dropped off in the lobby of the building.
Address: 406 E. Armory Ave., Champaign, IL 61820
During the Sweater Weather Public Skate, if you bring in at least (2) food items, you will be eligible for a free skate rental.
Event Dates:
Friday, December 12, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Illini Union
Donations can be dropped off at:
- Quad Shop
- 1st floor lobby
- Illini Union Board office, room 222 (north, second floor)
Address: 1401 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801
Illini Union Bookstore
Address: 809 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820
The Jeffries Center — Academic Service Programs
Address: 1103 W. Oregon Street, Suite E, Urbana, IL 61801
Lincoln Hall — 2nd Floor
Address: 702 S. Wright St., Urbana, IL 61801
McKinley Health Center
Address: 1109 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61801
Native American House
Address: 1206 W. Nevada St., Urbana, IL 61801
School of Information Sciences
Address: 501 E. Daniel St., Champaign, IL 61820
State Farm Center — West Entrance Lobby
Address: 1800 S. 1st St., Champaign, IL 61820
Spurlock Museum
Address: 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, IL 61802
Swanlund Administration Building
Donations can be dropped off in the lobby of the building.
Address: 601 E. John St., Champaign, IL 61820
Turner Student Services Building
Donations can be dropped off in the Basic Needs Box in the lobby of the building.
Address: 610 E John St., Champaign, IL 61820
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About the Food Assistance & Well-being Program
The Food Assistance & Well-being Program is an emergency resource for Illinois students who are facing financial challenges and need short-term food and basic needs support.
Our pantry offers a variety of items such as protein, dairy, fresh produce, canned goods, grains, and personal care items. However, availability of items varies each week as the pantry is fully funded by donations from the community.
