Northern Illinois and Wisconsin food banks compete in End Zone to End Hunger Challenge

Northern Illinois Food Bank has accepted a friendly challenge from Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, and the two organizations are turning a football rivalry into a week of fundraising.

The End Zone to End Hunger Challenge runs Oct. 5 through the final whistle of the big game in Green Bay on Oct. 11, with the two food banks competing in a friendly fundraising challenge to help solve hunger in their communities.

Northern Illinois Food Bank is asking football fans to help end hunger in Northern Illinois and outscore Green Bay with their generosity.

Here’s what’s at stake: If Northern Illinois Food Bank raises more donations by the final whistle at Sunday’s game, the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin’s CEO has to eat a Chicago hot dog and admit that Chicago dogs are better than Wisconsin beer brats!

Plus, the winning food bank earns bragging rights, but the real return lands on kitchen tables. Every $10 donated during the challenge provides $70 in groceries for children, families, seniors, and veterans facing hunger across Northern Illinois Food Bank’s 13-county service area. With everyday prices continuing to rise, more households in Northern Illinois are struggling to make ends meet.

“Hunger is a year-round crisis that doesn’t have an off-season,” said Julie Yurko, president and CEO of Northern Illinois Food Bank. “With Northern Illinois Food Bank experiencing a historic and sustained demand for food assistance, this challenge is a chance to come together and make a big difference. Every donation brings us closer to victory, but the real winners will be the families who receive nutritious food and resources thanks to the generosity of our community.”

How to join the challenge

Donations can be made through the final whistle on Sunday, Oct. 11, at SolveHungerToday.org/Football.

Why is Football Hall of Famer Mike Singletary excited about this challenge? Watch his message to learn why he thinks it is so important to beat hunger — and Green Bay: SolveHungerToday.org/Singletary.

For over 40 years, Northern Illinois Food Bank has been dedicated to solving hunger and empowering neighbors. Our vision at Northern Illinois Food Bank is for everyone in Northern Illinois to have the food they need to thrive.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and proud member of Feeding America, we serve our neighbors in 13 counties with dignity, equity, and convenience, providing 320,000 meals a day.

The food bank brings together manufacturers, local and corporate grocers, area farmers, corporations, foundations, and individuals who donate food and funding. Each week nearly 1,000 volunteers help evaluate, repack, and distribute food. They also partner with more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and youth and senior feeding programs to provide nutritious food and resources. The distribution centers are located in Geneva, Lake Forest, Rockford, and Joliet.

Find out how you can get help, volunteer, donate or get involved at SolveHungerToday.org, or follow Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.