Through a partnership among the College of ACES, the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Feeding Illinois, student-raised livestock from the Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions is being transformed into meaningful support for local food banks — helping nourish neighbors and fight food insecurity.

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, is donating meat from the 2024 Illinois State Fair Sale of Champions to Feeding Illinois food banks for the first time under a new formalized agreement.

“At a time of historic need, this donation brings hope to our neighbors facing hunger across Illinois,” said Kelly Daly, President and CEO of the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, a member of the Feeding Illinois network, who received the donation on April 29. “We are grateful to work alongside the College of ACES and the Illinois Department of Agriculture to turn the hard work of young agricultural leaders into a vital source of nourishment for our neighbors and communities.”

Under the new 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, which advances workforce training while providing meat products to the public. 

Freezing the meat allows it to be processed and distributed when both the Meat Science Laboratory and local food banks have the capacity — ensuring nothing goes to waste and support reaches those who need it most.

“This effort reflects the very best of our land-grant mission — connecting the hard work of Illinois youth with service to our broader community,” said Anna Dilger, meat science professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. “We are proud to support Illinois agriculture, enhance student learning, and help fight food insecurity across the state.”

Dilger also engages winning exhibitors by inviting them to tour the Meat Sciences Laboratory, observe the processing of their animals, and see how their work supports food security across Illinois. Exhibitors can choose to have their animals’ hides processed by a local tanner as a lasting keepsake. To further celebrate their achievements and connection to the agricultural community, they are invited to attend the college’s annual Celebrate Food and Ag Day event. 

Among the 2024 winning exhibitors was Olivia Shike, a student at Black Hawk College - East Campus and daughter of animal sciences professor Dan Shike and Farm Journal’s PORK editor Jennifer Shike. Olivia’s Chester White pig was chosen as the grand champion barrow and the Land of Lincoln champion. 

“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,” Olivia Shike said. “It’s an honor to have my work recognized and to be part of something that gives back in such an important way.”

What’s more, Sale of Champion exhibitors are members of Illinois 4-H — the youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, housed within the College of ACES. Through Illinois 4-H, young people gain hands-on experience in leadership and service that prepares them to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Support hands-on learning, agricultural leadership, and food security initiatives at the College of ACES. To make a gift, visit the ACES giving page, select “Other” as your gift designation, and enter “Meat Sciences Laboratory Support Fund #337953.” Support Illinois youth development through the Illinois 4-H giving page and selecting your preferred designation.