Sign up for Northern Illinois Food Bank's Virtual Foodie 5K April 18

Northern Illinois Food Bank has transformed its annual Foodie 5K into an entirely virtual event on April 18. The 7th annual Foodie 5K, presented by Kellogg's still has spots open for runners and walkers to register before Saturday's race. All funds raised will benefit the Food Bank at a time when its services and programs are more critical than ever to feeding neighbors in need during COVID-19.

"The virtual event is a great way to get moving during this critical time and to show how the Food Bank remains fully committed to providing every meal, every day for every neighbor in our communities," said Christine Fisher, Manager of Special Events and Promotions at Northern Illinois Food Bank. "Our volunteers at the frontline have shown unwavering dedication during this crisis and are packing nearly 10,000 emergency food packs a week help people at risk of food insecurity."

All proceeds benefit the Food Bank, where every $1 helps provide $8 worth of groceries. Participants are encouraged to fundraise leading up to the event in order to help the Food Bank feed even more hungry neighbors - every dollar raised makes a difference.

"Our food bank partners have told us they are stretched to the limit. They're providing more food to more people every day and supporting our local food bank is now more critical than ever. Kellogg's is proud to support the Foodie 5K and the Food Bank's operations during this time of increased need," said Wendy Davidson, President, Kellogg's Away from Home.

To be considered for the Award Medal placement, participants will be responsible for recording their own race time. This can be number with a number of Running/Fitness Apps (examples: Map My Run, Strava, etc.), or with a watch or other timing device.

All participants must complete their run and submit their race time between Saturday, April 18, and Saturday, April 25. They are allowing this extended window to allow for best social distancing practices to be followed.

Last year, the Foodie 5Ks attracted more than 2,000 participants and raised more than $200,000 to support the Food Bank's efforts of solving hunger across its 13-county service area, which helped provide more than $1.6 million in groceries for hungry neighbors.

"Since its inception, the Foodie 5K race series has raised more than $1.1 million, which has helped provide an impressive $8.9 million worth of groceries to neighbors right here in Northern Illinois," Fisher said.

Visit www.SolveHungerToday.org/Foodie5K to register.

Northern Illinois Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, is a non-profit organization that engages the community to solve hunger in Northern Illinois. Manufacturers, local groceries, corporations, foundations, and individuals come together to donate food and funds, and evaluate and repack food for distribution to more than 900 partner feeding programs - the food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and youth and senior feeding programs that serve more than half a million people every year. Northern Illinois Food Bank has centers in Geneva (West Suburban Center), Park City (North Suburban Center) Rockford (Northwest Center), and Joliet (South Suburban Center). Find out how you can volunteer, donate or get involved at www.SolveHungerToday.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.