Bears team up with North Chicago High to aid food bank

Chicago Bears rookies recently teamed up with the North Chicago High School football team for a volunteer shift at Northern Illinois Food Bank's North Suburban Center, 13950 Business Center Drive, Lake Forest.

The players came together and packed fresh fruit and vegetables that will be distributed to neighbors in Lake County experiencing food insecurity. They packed a total of 6,540 pounds of food, or 5,450 meals provided.

This volunteer project demonstrates the Chicago Bears' dedication to championing communities by inspiring positive change and enriching the lives of others through programs, initiatives, and partnerships.

"Volunteers are crucial to our day-to-day operations," said Maeven Sipes, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Northern Illinois Food Bank. "In fact, every week 1,000 volunteers donate their time to Northern Illinois Food Bank. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Chicago Bears. The Bears' club and players' commitment to giving back to fans and their communities is truly inspiring. Together, we can make a difference and solve hunger in Northern Illinois."

Northern Illinois Food Bank works with a network of more than 900 food pantries, soup kitchens, and feeding programs to provide 80 million meals a year to neighbors across 13 counties, including Lake County, in suburban and rural Northern Illinois.

Last year, Northern Illinois Food Bank distributed 12.8 million meals to neighbors in Lake County experiencing food insecurity.

Chicago Bears who participated in the volunteer shift include: Tyson Bagent, Micah Baskerville, Travis Bell, Robert Burns, Macon Clark, Darnell Wright, Aaron Cruickshank, Gervon Dexter Sr., Jalen Harris, Robert Haskins, Gabriel Houy, Kendall Williamson, Roschon Johnson, D'Anthony Jones, Josh Lugg, Lorenz Metz, Zacch Pickens, Bralen Trahan, Thyrick Pitts, Tyler Scott, Noah Sewell, Terell Smith, Tyrique Stevenson and Andre Szmyt.

To volunteer, donate or get groceries, visit SolveHungerToday.org.