Taking Care of Hungry Cougars

Rachel Derais 

September 30, 2021

If you have ever found yourself staring at your bare kitchen that contains one half-peeled onion and wondering what in the world you are going to eat, you do not have to look much farther. As you may know, the entire month of September was Hunger Action Month. 

Here at Harbinger Student Media, we delved deep into how Illinois Central College combats the hunger crisis by interviewing a student worker in our very own Food Pantry. The Food Pantry is located on the East Peoria Campus in room L215. 

If you are unfamiliar with the layout of ICC, it is near the Front Help Desk in the Student Services Lobby Area. The hours of operation are from 10 am to 1 pm every week on Monday through Thursday.

A student worker stationed in the Food Pantry named EJ was kind enough to give vital information about how the Food Pantry operates. An abridged transcript of the interview will be enclosed below, with EJ’s answers to important questions.

Interviewer: Rachel Derais

Interviewee: Elizabeth (EJ)

RD: Who is allowed to use the food pantry?

EJ: Any current student enrolled at ICC is allowed to use the Food Pantry. If you have a valid ICC ID, you can use the food pantry, like Faculty or Staff.

RD: Where does the food come from?

EJ: Most of the food comes from independent donations and the Midwest food bank.

RD: Why do you think having a food pantry is important?

EJ: It falls into Mazlow’s hierarchy of needs. You need your basic needs taken care of to succeed in college. You shouldn’t have to worry about where your next meal will come from, and we can provide that for students.

RD: Can faculty/staff and students donate to the food pantry?

EJ: Yes, absolutely. We have a donation box in the advising department. If you donate perishables, contact Amy Daxenbichler to set up an appointment.

RD: What is your favorite item in the food pantry, and what is most popular with students?

EJ: My favorite is the vanilla cold brew we have right now. The rice and bean packets are also really good and quick to make. Drinks and granola bars are the most popular with students.

RD: One last question- do you have anything you want to say to students faced with hunger?

EJ: Don’t be afraid to reach out and visit the food pantry if you need help. We have all sorts of students and people come into the pantry, and it’s not shameful to stop by. We are here to be used by students, so please feel free to take advantage of it!

[End interview]

For more information on the food pantry and a clip of the recorded interview, check out last week’s Harbingerweekly videocast on our website and Facebook page. If you are ever in need, please reach out to someone. ICC has a lot of campus resources that are available to be utilized by students.