Medieval Times collecting food for area pantries

Medieval Times is encouraging fans to "give a little and save big" in an attempt to refill local food pantry stockpiles that historically start to run low this time of year after holiday surpluses. For any three nonperishable food items dropped off at the Schaumburg Castle through Feb. 11, donors will receive 45 percent off adult tickets and 25 percent off tickets for children age 12 and younger.

Collected food items will be donated locally to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Discounted tickets can be purchased at medievaltimes.com/chicago, using the code FOODWEB16, or at the box office, 2001 N. Roselle Road. Three items are required for each admission, with a limit of six discounted admissions per order. The discounts are good on full-price tickets only.

Last year, the Schaumburg Castle, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, collected approximately 29,000 pounds, 40 percent of the nationwide total for nine castles.