Food bank, NASCAR team up for walk to aid needy children

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JOLIET – The Northern Illinois Food Bank is teaming up with the NASCAR Foundation to raise money to feed hungry children in need.

The NASCAR Foundation Hunger Walk for Kids, presented by Hock Foods, will be at 8 a.m. Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway, 3200 S. Chicago St., Joliet.

The Track Walk will give fans the opportunity to walk a lap around the track before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Registration for the event is $30 online until Wednesday or $35 at the track. T-shirts also will be available for at-track registrations while supplies last; those registering in advance also will receive one.

Fundraisers collecting $500 or more will receive a VIP tour at the track Saturday, and the top fundraiser will receive a pace car ride by a track official around Chicagoland Speedway after the walk.

The virtual food drive runs through Aug. 31. Fans can visit www.nascar.com/foundation to create their own virtual food drive. Participants who raise a minimum of $30 will receive a “Walking the Walk to End Children’s Hunger” T-shirt.

Proceeds will benefit the NASCAR Foundation and Northern Illinois Food Bank.

About 17.9 million low-income children received free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program last year, but just 2 million of those children participated in the Summer Food Service Program. As a result, the need for assistance from the Northern Illinois Food Bank during these months increases. The Northern Illinois Food Bank provides food to its 520 partner agencies in McHenry and Kane counties, as well as 11 others.

For information, visit www.nascar.com/foundation.