Committee on Finance City Council Meeting, January 25, 2017 Alderman Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward
Resolution
Declaration of February 14, 2017 as "Food Checkout Day" in Chicago
WHEREAS, Food Checkout Day was established in the mid-l990"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 again be celebrated at the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Hope Children's Hospital; and
WHEREAS, since 2001 Cook County Farm Bureau® members have donated over 900 hours; over 82,000 pounds of food; contributed over $123,000 in cash donations; and over 2,600 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 91,000 families;
WHEREAS, RMHC®-CNI 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 from home; and
WHEREAS, every night, 153 families heal together because ofthe 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 fanners and the healthy and nutritious food they grow and care for; and
WHEREAS, the over 47,000 members of the Cook County Fami Bureau® including 1,000 farmer members recognize the importance of producing a safe, nutritious food using environmentally sustainable practices; and
WHEREAS, Cook County fanners 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 RMIIC®-CNI Cook County houses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognize Tuesday, February 14, 2017 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.