"Race Against Hunger" Benefits Food Pantries

West Chicago, Illinois: February 7, 2008 –
Cereal boxes were just some of the items flying off the shelves at Jewel in West Chicago today as Mayor Michael B. Kwasman and Winfield Village President Rudy Czech loaded their shopping carts with as many wheat, corn and soy products they could grab in a 10 minute period for the DuPage County Farm Bureau's (DCFB) "Race Against Hunger." Both men needed multiple carts as they raced up and down aisles amidst the cheers and encouragement of friends and fans.

The event, which recognizes National Food Check-Out Day as the day of the year by which the average American household has earned enough money to pay for its annual food supply, benefited two local food pantries; the Northwest DuPage Walk-In Ministries and the Milton Township Food Pantry.

"Not only is America's food supply the most abundant and safest in the world, it is also the most affordable," said Bob Brackmann, DCFB President. "It says a lot about the increasing standard of living and the efficiency of farmers and ranches in America," he added. While Village President Czech's haul added up to more, the race was structured as a win-win with both food pantries receiving the equal value of food or cash. "It was great fun," said Mayor Kwasman, "and benefited two great organizations."