Seven years strong, Chiditarod can still lay claim to being “Probably the World's Largest Mobile Food Drive.” Our philanthropic efforts address urban food and hunger challenges by partnering with organizations that provide immediate hunger relief, such as food pantries, and sustainable food empowerment, which is a new initiative for 2012.

Food Donations

In previous years, teams were met at the finish line by volunteers ready to weigh and collect non-perishable food items to be donated to the Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation. Unfortunately, the CAHF has closed its doors and we have been in search of a new recipient. In January of 2012 we were able to proudly announce that our food beneficiary is The Greater Chicago Food Depository. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a nonprofit food distribution and training center that supplies 69 million pounds of nonperishable food, fresh produce, dairy products and meat to 650 pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters for feeding more than 678,000 adults and children in Cook County each year. As is custom and per the rules, each Chiditarod team must bring at least 49 pounds of non-perishable, high-quality food with them on race day for the Epic Food Drive.

Financial Donations and Fundraising

Last year, Chiditarod VI teams made race history by raising over $18,000 in monetary donations. In the past, both food and funding had gone to the same organization, but this year Chiditarod chose to diversify how we assist our community and is thrilled to announce our partnership with Growing Home. Growing Home's mission is to operate, promote, and demonstrate the use of organic agriculture as a vehicle for job training, employment, and community development. Check it out, you can raise funds online. We're super stoked.

Fundraise now!!