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.

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Record Levels of Neighbors Facing Hunger!

The need for food is skyrocketing across Chicago and Cook County—approaching levels experienced at the height of the pandemic! But through a $25,000 matching challenge, you can help with DOUBLE THE IMPACT between now and April 30 to ensure individuals and families can keep food on the table.

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 in-demand careers in competitive industries.

Resources for Families

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

Support for Older Adults

Receive shelf-stable food boxes and learn about programs to support healthy aging.

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.

Reach out to us

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

76.4 M

meals provided across all of our food programs during our 2023 fiscal year

1.9 M

households served by our network of free grocery partners during our 2023 fiscal year

17000

public benefits applications submitted on behalf of our neighbors since 2020

$ 19 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.

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

Our mission is to end hunger

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.

Research

Improving access to WIC in Illinois

a cook holds up a prepared meal in a kitchen

Publication

Food for Thought: Spring 2024

News Coverage

Kate Maehr op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times: Congress must vote to protect food assistance benefits for women, infants and children

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

View our event calendar

FEATURED EVENT

April 25 | 1:00 pm

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Social at Connors Park Shop

On Thursday, April 25, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is hosting an Ice Cream Social fundraiser at their Connors Park shop from 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. to…

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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

You Belong to Our Community

Whether you need help finding food today or are ready to lend help to someone else, we’re here to connect, help, and inspire.

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