SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Counties across Illinois were tasked with gathering non-perishable food and care items as part of the annual, statewide 4-H Can Make a Difference Food Drive held in conjunction with the Illinois State Fair Aug. 9-11.
“In Illinois, over 1.5 million people face hunger, which translates into 1 in 8 people facing hunger or 1 in 6 children,” says University of Illinois 4-H youth development specialist Katie Duitsman.
This initiative began over 25 years ago and represents the power of Illinois counties pulling together to create a larger change. Counties gathered donations locally and coordinated transport to the Illinois State Fair.
Over 1000 items were donated over the course of the three days. Counties participated in a friendly competition to see who could donate the most items to the drive. The top three counties this year were Ogle County, Macoupin County, and Will County. The top three counties will receive funds to support local community service initiatives for the 2024-2025 4-H Year.
"This food drive showcases the incredible impact that young people can have when given the opportunity to lead," says Duitsman. "Their dedication to fighting hunger in their communities is inspiring and makes a real difference for families across Illinois."
This initiative is statewide youth led service initiative headed by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team and the result of the team’s second year of planning the event.
"Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are driving change today," says Duitsman. "Through efforts like this, they’re learning the value of service, collaboration, and making a lasting impact on the world around them."
This event will return to the State Fair in the summer of 2025.
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
Writers: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
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 700 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 six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.