Census Outreach
Every 10 years, the Census counts everyone living in the United States. Find out how to be counted and be a voice for your community in 2020.
Myths and Facts about the Census
The 2020 Census is secure and confidential. Here are three common myths about the census. Learn the facts.
MYTH: The census is a risk to my privacy.
FACT: The census is confidential and secure. Your online census response is protected with a strong internet security system.
MYTH: The census will ask about my citizenship status.
FACT: There is not a citizenship question on the census. It is against the law to share any census responses with ICE.
MYTH: Census responses could be shared with courts or police.
FACT: Your census responses cannot be used against you by any government agency. The law protects you from this.
Why the Census is Important for Food Access
The Food Depository is promoting participation in the 2020 Census to support the communities we serve. Census data determines investment in resources like parks, roads and public benefits. It also directs funding for important nutrition programs that provide food for children and families. Organizations like the Food Depository receive federal resources based on how many people they serve. Without a complete census count, these resources could shrink.
In past census years, some neighborhoods and populations have been hard to count. This leaves important resources on the table and makes it harder to meet the needs of underserved communities.
Everyone Counts
It’s essential to count everyone in Cook County. The census shows how communities have changed over time. It determines our representation in Congress. It also helps show where to build new schools, hospitals, and businesses.
What You Can Do
Food pantries and community groups can help promote Census participation. The Food Depository provides outreach materials and educational sessions. Download our Census toolkit here.
Read our questions and answers with one local agency about their census work.
Privacy and Security
Strict laws protect Census responses. The information on the Census is only used for statistical purposes. Responses will never be shared with law enforcement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other agencies.
Download Posters
Download posters to promote the Census at your food pantry or program.
