Left to right: Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson stands with Elk Grove Village Trustee and Elk Grove High School Teacher Joe Bush in 2024.

Published September 30, 2025

The spirit of friendly competition and community service was on full display as Elk Grove and Rolling Meadows High Schools came together for the annual Cereal Bowl — a tradition that unites students, staff, and families in the fight against food insecurity.

This year’s collection brought in nearly 9,000 boxes of cereal for local families, with Elk Grove High School reclaiming the Cereal Bowl trophy after collecting more than 4,900 boxes to benefit the Elk Grove Township Food Pantry. Rolling Meadows also celebrated a record-breaking year, gathering 3,795 boxes with help from sender schools Central Road, Willow Bend, and Carl Sandburg Junior High.

The Elk Grove Township Food Pantry serves hundreds of local families each month, and donations from the Cereal Bowl help stock shelves during a critical time of year. What began as a spirited rivalry has grown into a signature service tradition in both school communities, demonstrating District 214’s deep commitment to service learning and civic engagement.

Students took the lead in this year’s effort — organizing donation drives, decorating cereal boxes, and engaging local businesses and elementary schools to join the cause. The energy across both campuses reflected the pride and purpose that come from helping others.

While Elk Grove took home the trophy, both schools shared in a much larger victory — the collective impact of neighbors helping neighbors. Every box collected supports families in need and demonstrates the power of service, compassion, and connection across the District 214 community.

The Cereal Bowl is a celebration of generosity and teamwork that brings people together for a shared cause. Each year, it serves as a reminder that small acts, multiplied by many, can make a big difference.

Credit: Tom Robb/Journal & Topics