United is the way to feed families and fight hunger.
Meeting Basic Needs with Local Solutions
United Way of Champaign County is working to reduce hunger and its related health challenges through our Farmers Feeding Families program. Since 2014, this unique effort has raised over $273,000 to support food access across our community.
According to United Way’s United for ALICE Report, 44% of households in Champaign County are struggling to make ends meet. While 20% live below the federal poverty level, another 24% are ALICE—families who are working but still unable to afford essentials like housing, healthcare, and food.
By investing in local hunger relief partners through Farmers Feeding Families, we’re helping reduce food costs for families walking a financial tightrope—allowing them to direct more of their income toward other critical needs.
A Powerful Partnership in Agriculture
This program wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and collaboration of our community. Each year, Parkland College agriculture students plant and manage two fields of corn and soybeans: approximately 80 acres rented from Champaign Unit 4 Schools and an additional 5 acres donated by Litania Sports Group.
With donated supplies from local agribusinesses, the fields become outdoor classrooms where students gain hands-on experience in precision ag, equipment operation, and field management.
The crops are sold, and the proceeds are used to increase United Way’s grants to local food and nutrition programs.
Harvesting Hope
Thanks to the success of Farmers Feeding Families, United Way has increased funding to local hunger relief programs by 37%. These grants help:
Stock food pantry shelves with fresh produce
Deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors
Provide supplemental nutrition for people managing health conditions
Access to healthy food is a foundation for a healthier life. United Way believes everyone—no matter their zip code—deserves that opportunity.
Special thanks to our Partners
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This program wouldn’t be possible without access to land. We’re grateful to Champaign Unit 4 Schools for renting 80 acres to United Way and to Litania Sports Group for generously donating use of 5 acres near their offices.
The land is farmed by the talented students of the Parkland College Agriculture Program, who gain valuable hands-on experience while supporting our mission.
We also thank Gifford State Bank, CIBM Bank, and Murray Wise Associates for their generous financial contributions to help cover operational costs.
And a special thank-you to our very first partner and program founder: Sage Farms.
