Food Insecurity
What is food insecurity?
- Are you worried your food will run out before you have money to buy more food?
- Recently, have you reduced the size of your meals or skipped meals because you do not have enough money to buy food?
- This week, did you not eat for a whole day because there was not enough money for food?
- Are you deciding between buying food and spending money on other necessary items, such as textbooks, rent, and utility bills?
- Are you hungry but did not eat and/or are losing weight because there is not enough money to buy food?
According to the ALICE Report by United Way of Illinois (2022), "More than 1 million households in Illinois struggle to afford the basic necessities of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, & technology."
Eagles Peak
Whether you need to grab a quick snack to get through the day or get a bag of groceries, sign in at Eagles Peak to choose from an array of canned foods, shelf-stable foods, cereals, snacks, and non-perishable goods. Eagles Peak will be open from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and by appointment. It is located inside the Counseling Center, CTC-202R. Current IVCC students, students enrolled in Illinois High School Diploma classes, and students enrolled in English as a Second Language classes can visit the Food Pantry once per week.
Other resources
Below are other resources that are available to help you. Please reach out to Crystal Credi, with questions:
- phone/text 815-224-0575
- email crystal_credi@ivcc.edu
- visit in person CTC-202
Steps to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) helps low-income
people and families buy the food they need for good health.
Use the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) to apply for SNAP, cash or medical assistance - online, anytime.
Illinois Hunger Coalition
The IHC Hunger Hotline provides bilingual services to low-income households (SNAP
And Medical assistance applications) through its statewide toll-free Hunger Hotline.
Call 800-359-2163. SE HABLA ESPAÑOL.
Callers are assisted in applying for: the Supplemental Nutrition Service (SNAP),
All Kids, Medicaid, Medicare, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
IHC also offers referrals for:
-Supplemental Nutrition for Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC)
-Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP)
-food pantries and meal programs/soup kitchens
-child care
-housing assistance
-senior nutrition and health programs
-other federal child nutrition programs: Summer Food Service Program (SFSP),
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Meals on Wheels, and At Risk After School
Child Nutrition Programs
IL SNAP assistance flyer (PDF)
Illinois Valley Community Resource Guide (PDF)
A listing of Illinois Valley Community Resources including counseling, health,
substance abuse, disability services, basic needs, child care, food pantries, employment,
& transportation.
ISAC (PDF)
Student Resources Beyond Financial Aid: Food, Housing, & Medical Care
Impact of Food and Housing Insecurity on College Students
Student Guide to Healthy Eating in College
Get Connected. Get Help. (211)
211 is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services. United Way 2-1-1 helps residents find fast, free, and confidential help for locating
and connecting with essential community services by simply dialing 2-1-1. You can
also text them at TXT211.
Use the Find Food IL map to find places in your community offering free food or meals. You can also find stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons. Plus, see the DHS or WIC office nearest to you. Enter your zip code or city to get started. Click on the graphic or link below to access the map from University of Illinois SNAP-Education.
Use el mapa “Find Food IL” (Encuentre los Recursos Alimenticios en Illinois) para encontrar los sitios en su comunidad que proporcionan la comida gratuita. También puede encontrar las tiendas y los mercados que aceptan los cupones SNAP/LINK o WIC. Además, se puede encontrar la oficina del departamento de salud (DHS) o WIC más cercana. Para comenzar, rellene su código postal o su ciudad. Haga clic en el icono del mapa azul para ver todos los sitios en su área en una lista. Use los botones de los recursos para restringir su búsqueda de los recursos alimenticios específicos. Haga clic en la imagen o en el enlace abajo para acceder al mapa de la Universidad de Illinois SNAP-Educación.
Are you looking to donate to the pantry? Items needed are shelf-stable milk and canned or dried fruit.
Schedule an appointment for food pick up at Eagles Peak
Complete the below form only if you cannot visit Eagles Peak during the open hours of Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am - 1 pm. Pick up requests must be submitted 1-2 business days in advance. We will confirm when it is ready for pick up.
