Springfield, Ill. – Illinois 4-H youth across the state came together to make a difference in their communities through the annual Illinois 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive, held Aug. 14-16 in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair. This year, 30 counties participated and collected more than 1,700 non-perishable food and personal care items for communities across Illinois.
“This is a great way for youth to get involved on the local level and make a statewide change,” said Katie Duitsman, University of Illinois 4-H youth development specialist. “Great things happen when we put youth at the lead of any project, so we know great things are ahead for this initiative.”
The statewide food drive began more than 25 years ago and highlights the impact that can be created when Illinois 4-H counties work together toward a common goal. Counties collect donations in their local communities, transport the items to the Illinois State Fair and participate in a friendly competition to see which counties can collect the most.
This year, Illinois 4-H youth collected more than 1,700 items. The top three participating counties will receive funds to support local community service initiatives during the 2026-2027 4-H year.
The 2026 top three counties are:
First place: DuPage County –$300
Second place: Ogle County – $200
Third place: Macoupin County – $100
“On behalf of the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2026 Illinois 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive,” said Duitsman. “We had 30 counties participate and collected more than 1,700 items. We are excited to see how the top three counties use these funds to continue supporting their local communities.”
The Illinois 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive is a statewide, youth-led service initiative led by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team. Through projects like this, 4-H members have the opportunity to identify needs in their communities, take action and create an impact that extends beyond their local communities
.About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
For Further Information Contact:
Source: Katie Duitsman, 4-H Youth Development Specialist
Writer: Sophia Schneider, 4-H Marketing– Communications Intern
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.