Champaign County, IL – Police agencies across Champaign County are collecting nonperishable food donations now through Friday, Nov. 21, as part of this year’s “Protect and Feed” holiday food drive benefitting the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.
According to the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, donations have already begun arriving at participating police stations. Residents can drop off items at any listed department, with all contributions staying within the local community. The campaign aims to help address ongoing food insecurity affecting an estimated 143,000 people across east-central Illinois.
The event includes a friendly competition among local police agencies to see which department can collect the most food by Giving Tuesday. Officials hope the added challenge will help boost participation and meet what they describe as a historic need for food assistance during the holiday season.
Departments participating in the drive include the Champaign Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, Parkland College Police, Rantoul Police, University of Illinois Police, and Urbana Police. All are accepting donations during normal business hours.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference, particularly as demand for food assistance rises during colder months and school breaks. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will distribute the collected items directly to families across the region.
Residents are encouraged to bring canned goods, boxed meals, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and other nonperishable staples. The Sheriff’s Office noted that the department with the highest total will win bragging rights for the year.
More information is available through the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and participating law-enforcement agencies.
