CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Champaign Police Department (CPD) is once again partnering with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank for the second annual Protect & Feed Food Drive, running November 10–21, 2025. The initiative encourages residents to donate non-perishable food items to help families in need during the holiday season.

Donations can be dropped off at two locations: the Champaign Police Department, 82 E. University Avenue, or the Champaign City Building, 102 N. Neil Street.

This year’s event features a friendly competition among six local law enforcement agencies — Champaign Police, Urbana Police, University of Illinois Police, Parkland College Police, Rantoul Police, and the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office — to see which department can collect the most food.

Following the collection period, participating agencies will gather at the Eastern Illinois Foodbank’s Volunteer Center for a hands-on food repacking event, where officers and staff will help sort and pack donations for distribution to families throughout east-central Illinois.

Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, who joined officers for last year’s event, praised the program’s return. “Protect & Feed is a wonderful example of how our public safety professionals continue to serve — not just by protecting our community, but by supporting it,” Feinen said.

Last year’s inaugural drive brought in hundreds of pounds of food and strengthened the partnership between local law enforcement and community organizations working to combat food insecurity.

For more information about the food drive or to learn how to get involved, visit www.eifoodbank.org.