College of DuPage will participate in the Illinois Community College Board’s 2026 Feed the Need Challenge from Oct. 19 through Nov. 30, collecting food and personal care items for the COD Fuel Pantry to support students experiencing food insecurity.

Last year, COD collected nearly 20,000 food and personal care items, contributing to a statewide total of more than 180,000 food items donated by Illinois community colleges to support students and families.

“Feed the Need is a powerful reminder that when we come together as a campus and community, we can make a meaningful difference for students and families facing food insecurity,” said COD President Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi.

Feed the Need is a statewide initiative that encourages community colleges to collect nonperishable food items for local food pantries and campus food banks through a friendly competition.

“We’re seeing more students turn to the pantry for support, and community contributions help ensure that no student has to choose between buying food and paying for other essentials,” said COD Fuel Pantry Supervisor Linda Kozlowski.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable food and personal care items at the following campus locations through Nov. 30.

• Student Resource Center (SRC), Door 7 (cafeteria entrance)
• Student Services Center (SSC), Room 1111
• Berg Instruction Center (BIC), Room2A07
• Physical Education Center (PEC) behind the counter
• SRC 1000 (Fuel Panty)
• SSC 3301
• Health and Science Center (HSC), Room 1235