WGN-TV Launches Annual Campaign for Food Depository
The initiative supports the Greater Chicago Food Depository to combat regional food insecurity through the end of the year.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
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WGN-TV Family Charities has officially launched its annual fundraising campaign to support the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The effort provides direct aid to the depository and its network of hundreds of local partners addressing food insecurity across the region.
Why it matters
This initiative helps mitigate food insecurity in the Chicago area by leveraging matching funds and streamlining the donation process for local residents. The partnership ensures that administrative costs are fully covered, allowing all public donations to be directed toward essential services.
The McCormick Foundation matches $.50 for every dollar donated, and 100 percent of all public donations are allocated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. This nonprofit currently collaborates with a network of 800 local organizations and programs.
The players
WGN-TV Family Charities
This organization serves as the philanthropic arm of the Chicago television station and facilitates community outreach programs.
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Established in 1979, this organization acts as a nonprofit food bank that serves as the hub for a large network of hunger-relief partners.
McCormick Foundation
This philanthropic organization provides financial support and grant-making services to community initiatives and nonprofits.
The details
Donors can contribute funds online, while those looking to donate non-perishable goods can attend a drive-thru event at WGN-TV Studios. The McCormick Foundation covers all administrative and campaign expenses throughout the duration of the drive.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: The fundraising campaign officially launches.
November 6, 2026: WGN-TV hosts a drive-thru food drive from 5 to 10am.
December 31, 2026: The annual fundraising campaign concludes.
Market Landscape
This campaign aligns with the McCormick Foundation's community grant matching guidelines. It reflects a trend of media-led charitable drives that rely on institutional backing to scale their impact against fragmented local hunger-relief efforts.
Residents can increase the impact of their personal donations due to the matching funds provided by the McCormick Foundation. Shoppers and neighbors can participate either by donating online or by dropping off non-perishable food items during the scheduled drive-thru event.
The takeaway
Donors looking to maximize their contribution should take advantage of the matching period before the end of the year. Organizing donations of non-perishable goods early allows for a more efficient drop-off process during the upcoming November event.
What happens next
A drive-thru food drive is scheduled to take place at WGN-TV Studios on November 6, 2026, from 5 to 10am.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support vulnerable populations in the Philanthropy section.
More information
To donate or view campaign details, visit the online donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGN-TV.
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Do you prefer donating directly to local food banks to help address insecurity in your community?
