Millikin University is turning student competition into community support by launching a four-week food drive challenge that transforms campus organizations into hunger-fighting teams.

This year, Millikin University is partnering with the WSOY Community Food Drive to support our community in the fight against hunger. 

This is an exciting opportunity for Millikin students to participate in making a difference.

“[The relationship between the Decatur Community and Millikin] is a symbiotic relationship, and the more that we can work together, collaborate, and coexist, it will benefit Decatur and Millikin,” Lindy Taylor, a Specialist for Career Success and Professional Development at Millikin, said. 

Millikin plans to mobilize students, faculty, and the greater community through on-campus collection points, campus competition, and fun challenges, turning campus spirit into real-world impact when it’s needed most. 

In early 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture slashed over $1 billion in funding for programs that helped schools and food banks buy food from local producers. These cuts included the termination of the Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement programs, which were lifelines for communities like Decatur. 

Macon County ranks among the ten highest food insecurity rates in Illinois. 

Local food pantries are seeing a surge in families seeking help, many for the first time. Seniors on fixed incomes, working parents with young children, and even college students are walking through pantry doors, not because they want to, but because they have no other choice. Because of these budget cuts, food banks are receiving fewer USDA deliveries, schools are losing funding to provide fresh, healthy meals, and communities are being forced to rely more heavily on donations and volunteers. 

The WSOY Community Food Drive is a volunteer-based annual food drive that started in 2001, created by WSOY radio and co-creators Brian Byers, Kevin Breheny, and John Skeffington. From supporting a single food pantry to over 20 local agencies, the WSOY food drive grew into one of the Midwest’s largest single-day food initiatives. 

The WSOY Community Food Drive is not just a feel-good event; it’s a direct response to a crisis. When federal support fades, community action becomes essential. Everyone who donates, volunteers, or spreads the word is helping to fill a gap that policy has left behind.

But you don’t have to donate a pantry’s worth of food to make a difference. 

Small contributions count. 

It’s not just about the cans and food being donated; you can contribute just by sharing information on social media, helping facilitate the food drive, and spreading awareness about food resources available to students. 

“Getting involved often means learning about local food assistance programs that you might not have known about,” Taylor said. “Many food pantries serve college students, and some have specific programs for people in your situation.”

Community support goes both ways, too. 

“Today you might need help, but someday you’ll be in a position to help others,” Taylor said. “Being part of the effort now keeps you connected to that community of mutual respect.”

This isn’t just about giving, it’s about building a community that supports each other, no matter where you’re at.

This initiative didn’t happen by chance. Rather, it was sparked by the vision of Millikin’s new President, Dr. Dean Pribbenow, and Brian Byers. 

Pribbenow shared powerful insights on why the food drive matters, not just for Millikin’s campus, but for our growth as students and the values we carry forward. 

“It’s important for institutions to not just be in a community, but of a community,” he said. “You don’t have to take a leap. You just have to take a step, and that step is just having the courage and being willing to take a risk and get involved.” 

Millikin recognizes that a part of its student population has food insecurity, and community service is seen as a way for students to deepen their understanding of societal issues and contribute to the broader community.

Dr. Pribbenow’s vision for Millikin centers on community engagement, education, and individual empowerment, which are values that align perfectly with the spirit of the WSOY Food Drive. 

These acts, he says, are part of a much larger goal. For Dr. Pribbenow, service isn’t just about giving, it’s about learning.

“When you come face-to-face with real issues in your community, you broaden your learning, you deepen your learning,” Pribbenow said.

Above all, he believes in the power of collective action. 

“There is nothing more motivating or satisfying than when a community comes together around a shared goal,” he said. “The world needs today…students who are being transformed by getting an education to be grounded in the communities of which they’re a part.”

The challenge is set with three team categories: Athletic teams, Greek Life, and all student organizations. Each week has a different challenge, and the fairness in scoring is based on the percentage of team participation. The weekly challenges include filling donation bins with labeled food bags, digital awareness campaigns, community service volunteering, and direct monetary and food donations.

There will be donation bins located all across campus, including the University Commons, Rathje Athletic Center, Shilling Hall, ADM-Scovill, the Alumni & Development Office, and the Center for Theatre & Dance (outside main office). 

The current goal to reach is $5,000. 

Week one’s challenge is to donate non-perishable food items, fill the bins at these various locations, and they must be labeled with the club or team name for credit. (List of Needs) 

Week two’s challenge aims to spread the word about the food drive, whether it’s sending a text to a friend or posting on your Instagram story. 

Week four focuses on calling for donations through the Millikin Website (2025 WSOY Food Drive Millikin University). 

Every week until October 1st, students can volunteer outside the front of the UC every Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM to collect food donations directly from community members’ cars. 

The goal is to fundraise by reaching out to personal networks, hometown communities, local businesses, and Millikin faculty and staff.

The final push for the food drive is during homecoming week in early October, with the main event happening on Friday, October 3rd, at the Kroger on Route 36. But the real muscle is needed the night before—Thursday, October 2nd—when volunteers will help load the truck with hundreds of donated food bags.

If you’ve got the strength (or just good vibes), you are needed.

Each team category will have a winner. The prizes include a pizza and game night at the President’s house, getting featured on the Millikin University website, an article written in the Decaturian, and a potential radio show appearance. 

Winning representatives will receive the opportunity for conversations about leadership, strategies, motivation, and overall community impact experience. They will also participate in the morning of the food drive with President Dr. Dean Pribbenow. 

Sign up here for Student Volunteer Opportunities!: Millikin + WSOY Food Drive: Student Volunteer Opportunities

*(help includes passing out bags, collecting donations, or filling up the vehicle that President Pribbenow will be taking to deliver MU’s contribution!)

What can you do to help?

• Donate non-perishable food items
  • UC, Scovill, CTD(SOTAD), Rathje Athletic Center (new athletic building)
  • List of Needs: Needed Food Items.pdf
• Make an online donation. Each $1 of support equates to one pound of food!
• Spread the word! Tell your friends, family, and your student organizations!
• Keep up with Millikin’s socials Millikin’s Facebook
• Look out for updates every Friday!

For More Information Visit: https://millikin.edu/wsoy-food-drive

Donate through Millikin University: 2025 WSOY Community Food Drive Donation

Information about WSOY Food Drive: https://www.wsoyfooddrive.com/