Foodie 5K race series returns to benefit hungry neighbors across Northern Illinois

Whether one of your resolutions for the New Year was to get back in shape, spend more time outdoors or to give back to your community, Northern Illinois Food Bank can help you stay on track with your goals this year!

The Foodie 5K race series, presented by Meijer to benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank, is back and better than ever for its fourth year, with races in Wheaton, Libertyville and an all-new course in Romeoville at Lewis University.

Featuring a post-race festival with entertainment, gourmet food trucks and activities for kids, the Foodie 5K appeals to everyone from food fanatics looking for a fun walk in the park, to seasoned competitors to those embarking on their first-ever couch-to-5K adventure in 2017.

• Saturday, April 1: Foodie 5K DuPage County at Cantigny Park in Wheaton

• Saturday, May 13: Foodie 5K Lake County at Independence Grove in Libertyville

• Saturday, Sept. 9: Foodie 5K Will County at Lewis University in Romeoville

Last year, the Foodie 5Ks attracted more than 2,800 participants and raised more than $216,000 to support Northern Illinois Food Bank's efforts of solving hunger across its 13-county service area.

"We're excited to bring the Foodie 5K back to Wheaton and Libertyville after the great support we received from those communities last year, and we're looking forward to our first race at Lewis University in Romeoville this fall," said Monica Marr, development and special events officer at Northern Illinois Food Bank. "These events offer a fun and easy way for everyone to engage with our mission of solving hunger in Northern Illinois."

All proceeds benefit Northern Illinois Food Bank, where every $1 donated provides $8 worth of food. Participants are encouraged to fundraise to help the Food Bank serve even more hungry neighbors.

All three races are chip-timed fun runs/walks open to all ages. Participants who register early (by March 17 for Wheaton, April 28 for Libertyville, and Aug. 25 for Romeoville) will receive a shirt, a $2 food truck voucher to be used at the post-race festival and more. Those who register for all three races will also receive a special commemorative gift.

Registration per race is $35 or $15 for children, ages 6-12. Children up to age 5 are free. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available for all three races.

Visit www.SolveHungerToday.org/Foodie5K for updates on participating food trucks, entertainment and activities for kids at all three race locations.

For more information about the Food Bank, visit www.SolveHungerToday.org, or follow the food bank on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Northern Illinois Food Bank leads the northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partnerships.

Since 1983, food manufacturers, local grocers, corporations, foundations, and individuals have come together to donate food and funds, and evaluate and repack food for distribution to 800 community food pantries and feeding programs serving more than 71,500 hungry neighbors each week across 13 counties. That commitment provided 62.5 million meals to those in need in fiscal year 2016.

Find out how you can volunteer, donate and get involved at www.SolveHungerToday.org or follow the food bank on Facebook and Twitter. Northern Illinois Food Bank is a member of Feeding America.