Food Drive

Each year, the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering—in partnership with the ChBE Graduate Students Advisory Council (GSAC)—hosts a food drive to benefit the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank exists to alleviate hunger in eastern Illinois by providing a reliable source of food for the hungry through cooperation with a network of food pantries and agencies. The Foodbank acquires millions of pounds of food and grocery product through purchase or donation and distributes it across our network of more than 160 feeding programs. The annual ChBE Food Drive Challenge earns research groups the right to hold the perpetual trophy for the next year. Each donation grants entry to a charity raffle with prizes from local restaurants.

Food Drive Results

The total amount donated in 2021 was $2833.40 or 8,499 meals.

  1. Su Group with 120 points.
  2. Kenis Group with 78 points.
  3. Harley Group with 64 points.
  4. Guironnet Group with 55 points.
  5. Flaherty Group with 19 points.

“The Su group was very excited about the event, and jumped in with 110 percent effort as an opportunity to make a difference and get everyone together in a team outreach event!” said Xiao Su, a chemical and biomolecular engineering professor. “We are happy to contribute to our community, and also represent our department.”

Eastern Illinois Foodbank

The EIF is working to feed the hungry in a 17-county area of Eastern Illinois, serving as the primary food source for food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other programs. Champaign County’s poverty rate is greater than 20 percent, and one out of seven individuals in Eastern Illinois struggle with hunger, including one in five children. 

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