The 2026 Race to Feed Chicago packed 2,400 bags of food to be distributed to local school children and raised a record-breaking $30,000, making a positive impact on the lives of the 6,400 children served by the Blessings in a Backpack Chicago Chapter.

The event was kicked off by Thomas Fitchett, a senior at Walter Payton High School, who shared about the impact that feeding children on weekends has on the student volunteers of their school’s “Team Sweetness.” This dedicated group of high schoolers raises money through the Blessings DIY 5K, packs bags weekly, and carries them to their local grammar school. The example these young people have set through their caring and giving back to their community was an inspiring moment!

The Race to Feed 2026 Champions were a team from Hamilton Elementary School, captained by Linlee Elbert. They were the fastest team out of all 15 competitors, packing 150 bags in under 6 minutes!

A big thank you to the Associate Board of the Chicago Chapter for hosting another amazing event, with special thanks to our event chairs Paul King and Dana Plagenz! Thank you, also, to our generous event sponsors: Zee Zees, Kellanova, Dole, Aldridge Electric, Daniels Health, Insperity, Shure, Arrow Messenger, Jones and King, and Sysco.