CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – In a collaborative effort to combat food insecurity, the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture have formalized a partnership to donate meat from the 2024 Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions to Feeding Illinois food banks. This marks the first time such a donation has been made under a formal agreement.​

On April 29, Kelly Daly, President and CEO of the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, received the donation, emphasizing its significance: “At a time of historic need, this donation brings hope to our neighbors facing hunger across Illinois.” The initiative aligns with the mission to connect the hard work of Illinois youth with service to the broader community.​

Under the agreement, 80% of the meat from Sale of Champions animals and the Illinois State Fair Processed Meats Competition will be donated to Feeding Illinois, while the College of ACES retains 20% to support education, research, and public outreach efforts through the Meat Sciences Laboratory. This approach ensures that the meat is processed and distributed efficiently, preventing waste and maximizing support to those in need.​

Anna Dilger, a meat science professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, highlighted the educational aspect of the program: “This effort reflects the very best of our land-grant mission — connecting the hard work of Illinois youth with service to our broader community.” Exhibitors are also invited to tour the Meat Sciences Laboratory and observe the processing of their animals, fostering a deeper understanding of how their work supports food security across Illinois.​

Among the 2024 winning exhibitors was Olivia Shike, a student at Black Hawk College – East Campus. Her Chester White pig was chosen as the grand champion barrow and the Land of Lincoln champion. Shike expressed pride in the donation, stating, “For all the time, effort, and love I put into raising my animals, it is incredibly meaningful to know that the meat will help feed families across Illinois.”​

The Sale of Champions exhibitors are members of Illinois 4-H, the youth development program of University of Illinois Extension.