Cubs wives & Meijer host annual food drive for Lakeview Pantry August 11

CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs and Cubs wives will host their 10th annual Food Drive at Wrigley Field, Saturday, August 11, prior to and during the team's 3:05 p.m. CDT game against the Cincinnati Reds.  

The event is presented by Meijer and proceeds benefit the Lakeview Pantry. Since its inception in 2003, the event has gathered more than 121,000 pounds of food.  

Fans making a donation of $20 will receive a 5x7 autographed photo of a Cubs player, limited to two photos per person while they last. Donations will be accepted outside Wrigley Field's Gate D at the corner of Sheffield Avenue and Addison Street from 1 p.m. until the end of the game's second inning.  

"We are proud to support the Cubs wives and their 10-year tradition of extending a helping hand to our community through the Food Drive," said Mike Lufrano, Chicago Cubs executive vice president community affairs. "Cubs fans have always generously supported this event and we hope this 10th year will be the best yet so we can assist Lakeview Pantry and those who benefit from their help."

This year, fans are encouraged to make a $20 donation.  A $20 donation allows Lakeview Pantry to purchase 200 pounds of food.  In an effort to maximize the impact of each donation, participants are encouraged to contribute monetarily. Fans that prefer to donate 10 healthy, non-perishable food items will also receive a 5x7 autographed photo of a Cubs player, limited to two photos per person while they last.

"Most Chicagoans don't need to look too far to find a friend or family member who is struggling in these tough times," said Gary Garland, executive director Lakeview Pantry. "Just over the past three years, Lakeview Pantry has seen demand for our food services increase by 25 percent. Still, through our 42-year history we have learned that tough times are met with an even greater outpouring of compassion by this community's desire to help their neighbor.  We are proud to partner with the Chicago Cubs and act as a conduit to turn this compassion into real relief for those in need."

Lakeview Pantry, founded in 1970, distributes one and a half million pounds of food each year to individuals in need in the Lakeview community.  In addition to providing groceries, the Pantry also helps clients address issues that often lead to food insecurity, such as unemployment and housing instability.  Every month approximately 3,000 individuals are served through its two distribution centers, home delivery program, case management services and clothing distribution.  The main site is located at 3831 North Broadway.  To learn more about Lakeview Pantry, go to www.lakeviewpantry.org.

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 196 supercenters throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. As the inventor of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Meijer's support of the Food Drive is the continuation of their commitment to help relieve hunger in the Chicagoland area where their customers and team members work and live. Additional information on Meijer can be found at www.meijer.com.