CCFB News» January 2026

Cook County Farm Bureau® members and partners are once again celebrating the healthy, nutritious food grown and raised by local farmers- and sharing that abundance with neighbors in need.

Now in its 26th year, Food Checkout Day highlights agriculture’s essential role in feeding families and communities across Cook County. This year’s effort will continue the long-standing Farm Bureau tradition of giving back through food and cash donations to local food pantries.

Members who wish to make a monetary contribution can do so by completing the form below. Donations may be directed to one of our partner food pantries:

Northfield Township Food Pantry, Glenview, serves between 850 and 900 families per month and has recently expanded its reach to meet growing community needs. Northfield Township includes all or parts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, Prospect Heights, and Wilmette.

Respond Now, Chicago Heights, serves more than 22 Chicago south suburban communities and over 20,000 households. Through volunteers’ efforts they’re able to keep over 125 families in their homes, prepare more than 18,000 bags of food, and provide more than 133 local families with utility assistance.

Young Leaders Launch Hygiene Product Drive

The Cook County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Committee invites members to join their “Buy One Extra” Hygiene Product Drive, an extension of this year’s Food Checkout Day celebration.

When shopping for personal care items, consider purchasing an extra to donate to families in need.

Items most in demand include soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, dental floss, and baby care essentials.

Donations can be dropped off at any of the following locations:

• Cook County Farm Bureau Office- 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside
• Wagner Farm- 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview
• Ted’s Greenhouse- 16930 84th Avenue, Tinley Park

Addressing Food Insecurity in Cook County

More than 760,000 Cook County residents live in food-insecure households, a powerful reminder that access to nutritious food remains a critical need in our communities.

Through Food Checkout Day, Farm Bureau members and partners are working together to make a difference, one meal and one donation at a time.

Donate online here

Please make checks payable to Cook County Farm Bureau. Checks should be mailed to Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525.

All proceeds will be donated to Cook County food pantries. Donations will be accepted until March 2, 2026.