Greater Chicago Food Depository
back for 3rd year as race beneficiary

Kate Maehr of the Greater Chicago Food Depository - the race beneficiary - addresses runners before the start of the 2010 race.

CHICAGO, April 21, 2011 — For the third consecutive year, the Greater Chicago Food Depository — Cook County's food bank — will serve as the beneficiary of the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge® in Grant Park.

The Food Depository was first named a beneficiary in 2009 and will be prominently on-hand once again for this year’s race in Chicago, set for Thursday, May 26, with a 7:10 p.m. race start.

“We are very grateful for our partnership with the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge,” said Kate Maehr, executive director of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “The Food Depository continues to see record numbers seeking food assistance in Cook County. Donations of nonperishable food items will help us stock our shelves and provide nutritious food to our network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.”

The Greater Chicago Food Depository distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 650 pantries, soup kitchens and shelters to 678,000 adults and children in Cook County every year. Last year, the Food Depository distributed 66 million pounds of nonperishable food and fresh produce, dairy products and meat, the equivalent of 135,000 meals every day.

The JPMorgan Chase Foundation, in honor of the 20,000 runners expected to enter in Grant Park on May 26, will make a donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Participating companies can also provide support in the following ways:

• Donating through a Virtual Food Drive.The Food Depository can purchase food for approximately one-third less than the average consumer, so this is the most effective, efficient way to make an impact.
• Donating nonperishable food items at Race Packet pick-up on Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 25. Location is TBD.
• Donating nonperishable food items at the Grant Park race site on Thursday, May 26.
• Contacting the Food Depository directly to arrange for pick-up of a food donation directly at your company.

Companies are also encouraged to become a fan of the Food Depository’s Facebook page and follow them on Twitter for more information. You can now also become a fan of the Chicago JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge at www.facebook.com/ChicagoCorporateChallenge.