Chicago’s Food Bank: Programs and food to end hunger

We strive to end hunger by connecting our neighbors with healthy food and advancing solutions that address the root causes of hunger.

Find Food Donate

No School =
No School Lunches

HELP NOW

Summer means no school lunches for children. And when combined with the recent end of federal emergency nutrition SNAP benefits . . . children and families are struggling to afford nutritious food. But through a $50,000 matching challenge, you can DOUBLE your impact to help take hunger off the table all summer long!

Greater Chicago Food Depository Programs

Find Food and Programs Throughout Chicago and Cook County

Explore our network of community-based partners and discover our programs to find support and resources that meet your needs.

Find Food

Search our map to find free groceries or a meal at a food pantry or program near you.

Food & Medical Benefits

Get free help applying for SNAP/Link, Medicaid and other benefits for you and your family.

Job Training

Explore paid workforce and professional development programs for careers in hospitality, supply chain industries, and more.

Resources for Families

Find free diapers near you and learn about nutrition and benefit programs to support families with children.

Nutrition Resources

Browse cooking videos, simple recipes and healthy eating tips to help you prepare the ingredients you have at home.

We’re Always Here to Help

We’re always available to lend a helping hand. If you need help with finding food, finding a job or even finding diapers, give us a call and we’ll guide you in the right direction.

1 in 5 Chicago Households are Experiencing Food Insecurity

Hunger is what you feel when you don’t have enough to eat. Food insecurity is the set of circumstances that prevent your access to food.

Read our Annual Report for more info

77.3 M

meals provided last year — a 25% increase compared to pre-pandemic times

1.5 M

households served by our network of free grocery partners in 2021

13000

public benefits applications submitted on behalf of our neighbors since 2020

$ 14 M

invested in our network of food pantry and program partners since 2020

Lifting the Voices of Our Neighbors and Their Stories

Hear from your community as we tell stories that inform, uplift and inspire.

Lend a Hand to Your Neighbors

Hunger is a year-round problem that touches every community in Cook County, and every neighborhood in Chicago. Hundreds of thousands of people face hunger every year – yet even one is too many.

Get involved to give back to your community today and make a lasting difference.

Get Involved

Give

Donate and make a critical impact in the work we do through a one-time gift, monthly donation, tribute gift, stock gift or more.

Volunteer

Explore our volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups and sign up to help at our facility or in the community.

Advocate

Lift your voice to support our advocacy efforts that address the root causes of hunger.

Start a Virtual Food Drive

Start a fundraiser with friends, family or coworkers and make an immediate difference in our community.

Learn

Discover more about food insecurity and its impact on our community through research on hunger-related issues.

Join a Team Committed to Ending Hunger

When you join our team at the Food Depository, you’re joining a group of purpose-driven people who understand the impact nutritious food can have on a community. Explore open positions and learn how you can help change the lives of our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Explore Careers

Since 1979

Ending Hunger in Our Community for Good

Hunger isn’t a logistics issue. It’s a justice issue.

For more than 40 years, we’ve helped provide for those in need. What we’ve learned is that as a community we have the resources to end hunger — but only if we take on hunger’s root causes.

That’s why we’re reimagining what it means to be Chicago’s Food Bank. We’re still here, helping supply and support local food pantries. Yet we’re also investing in the programs and services needed to lift our neighbors out of poverty and move forward into a secure and healthy future.

Our Story

Greater Chicago Food Depository: Together We Are Greater

news

Learn How Food Insecurity Affects Our Community

Read the latest news and updates on how we’re working to end hunger and its root causes.

Statement

Statement regarding harmful expansion of SNAP time limit in debt ceiling deal

Publication

Food for Thought: Spring 2023

Kate and event chairs at 2023 Commercial Real Estate Awards

Press Release

Food Depository celebrates 35-year collaboration with Chicago’s commercial real estate industry, raising $1.3M to end hunger

Local Events Making An Impact for Our Chicago and Cook County Neighbors

View our event calendar

FEATURED EVENT

June 4

Bank of America Chicago 13.1

We are proud to partner with the 2023 Bank of America Chicago 13.1. Join the Food Depository’s charity team on Sunday, June 4, 2023 and run 13.1…

Register View Details

Advocate

Advocate for Our Community and Help Families Facing Hunger

To end hunger for good, we need strong public policy. At the Greater Chicago Food Depository, we advocate for federal, state and local policies that protect our community from hunger and its root causes, like poverty and racial inequity.

Raise your voice with us and help advance solutions that promote equitable food access.

Learn more about our advocacy efforts