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Host a Food Drive to End Hunger
Food drives are a great way to unite your company or friends and family to support our community.
Start a Virtual Food Drive
A virtual food drive makes an immediate difference to end hunger in our community. It’s an easy and fun way to provide food where it’s needed most. Learn more and get started now.
Traditional Food Drives
If you would like to hold a traditional food drive for the Food Depository, please collect our most needed items. When your food drive is over, please plan to drop off your food donations at one of the sites below.
LOCATION |
DROP OFF |
DETAILS |
| Greater Chicago Food Depository 4100 W. Ann Lurie Pl. Chicago, IL 60632 |
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
When you deliver your donations, please go to bay #10 on the northwest side of the building on Keeler Ave. If the doors are locked, please call 773-247-3663. |
| Garvey’s Office Products 7500 N. Caldwell Ave. Niles, IL 60714 |
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Call 847-588-1690 with questions. |
| Across our Network of Partners Various locations |
Please call the partner site for drop off hours. | You are welcome to drop off your donations at our partner food pantries or programs. Please visit our map to find a location near you. |
Questions? Contact [email protected] or 773-843-7788.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traditional Food Drives
Food drive donations must be:
- Non-perishable
- In the original container with the original product label
- Within the “Use by” or “Best if used by” dates
- Free of damage, stains or moisture
- Standard retail food products (we cannot accept homemade food)
PLEASE NOTE: Boxes used to collect and store food must NOT have been used previously to store raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, produce or chemicals. Please store products in a cool, dry and clean area.
The items most needed by our network of 700 food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters are:
- Canned Beans
- Canned Fruit
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Chili
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Soup
- Canned Stew
- Canned Fish
The Food Depository is not able to accept the following types of food donations:
- Items that have been opened or partially used including cans, bottles and dry goods
- Products not in their original packaging
- Products missing ingredient information labels
- Homemade or home-canned foods
- Products that have become contaminated
- Alcoholic beverages or energy drinks of any kind
Additionally, the Food Depository is not able to accept the following types of non-food items, though you may contact your local food pantry to ask if they are currently accepting these items:
- Pet food
- Clothing
- Cleaning supplies
- Toys
- Toiletries
The Food Depository has created an English and Spanish fillable food drive flyer to help you spread awareness with your friends, family, company and community. The flyer must be downloaded to use the fillable form fields. You may also share our most needed items flyer.
If you would like to use the Food Depository’s logo on any materials you create, please email [email protected]. Materials must be reviewed and approved by the Food Depository before being distributed.
All food donations should be placed in taped boxes, not to exceed 40 lbs. and labeled with our Food Drive Box Label. We recommend using boxes similar to a copy paper box – 19″ x 15.25″ x 9″. To receive a confirmation number, please contact [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: Boxes used to collect and store food must NOT have been used previously to store raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, produce or chemicals.
Yes, please. Donated products must be within the “Use by” or “Best if used by dates.”
Unfortunately, we are unable to pick up food donations. Please contact our [email protected] for additional options or visit Move for Hunger.