RESOLUTION
Declaring February 21, 2019 "Food Checkout Day" in the City of Chicago.
WHEREAS, Food Checkout Day was established in the mid-1990's to recognize the connection between farmers and the safe, nutritious food source they cooperatively grow; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Farm Bureau® has celebrated Food Checkout Day by raising cash and food donations for Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) since 2001; and
WHEREAS, Food Checkout Day will be celebrated at all Chicagoland the Ronald McDonald House locations, including Ronald McDonald House near Advocate, Ronald McDonald House near Lurie's Children, Ronald McDonald House near Loyola University Medical Center, and Ronald McDonald House near UChicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital; and
WHEREAS, since 2001 Cook County Farm Bureau® members have donated over 1,000 hours; nearly 100,000 pounds of food; contributed over $141,800 in cash donations; and over 3,000 pounds of pop tabs to support Chicagoland's five Ronald McDonald Houses; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Farm Bureau® families and partners have donated enough food to feed over 220,000 families;
WHEREAS, RMHC®-GNI continues to care for families of children with complex medical issues by providing a "home away from home" to keep families together while their child is receiving medical treatment far frpm home; and
WHEREAS, every night, 153 families heal together because of the comfort, compassion, and community at the five Ronald McDonald Houses and three Ronald McDonald House family rooms; and
WHEREAS, Food Checkout Day recognizes the connection between farmers and the healthy and nutritious food they grow and care for; and
WHEREAS, the over 47,000 members of the Cook County Farm Bureau® including nearly 1,000 farmer members recognize the importance of producing a safe, nutritious food using environmentally sustainable practices; and
WHEREAS, Cook County farmers recognize the need for better access throughout Cook County to fresh food; and
WHEREAS, despite cash and non-perishable donations there is increased need at all five of RMHC®-CNI Cook County houses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognize Thursday, February 21, 2019 as Food Checkout Day and salute the efforts of the Cook County Farm Bureau® and the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana for their efforts to feed those individuals and families in need.
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