Food Banks Open on Monday

Food is a basic human right. At the Greater Chicago Food Depository, it’s our mission to end hunger and food insecurity by helping our neighbors in need. If you are in need of food assistance, want to help those in your community by volunteering your time or would like to make a donation to a food bank or food pantry near you, read on to find food pantries that are open near you on Monday.

Are There Food Pantries Near Me That Are Open on Mondays?

Start out the week by ensuring you have enough to feed yourself and your family. To find your local food bank or food pantry open on Monday, simply enter your address in our online form for a pantry name, location, hours, and more.

Find a Food Pantry

Explore our Network of Cook County and Chicago Food Pantries and Programs

Search the map using your address or zip code to find free groceries or a hot meal at a food pantry, soup kitchen, shelter or mobile distribution in Chicago and Cook County. Use the map filters to find local food pantries open today or on the day that works best for you to visit. Click "More Filters" to filter for sites with additional support services, like diapers, delivery service and more.

How Does a Food Pantry Work?

Once you’ve located a pantry near you, simply visit that location. All residents of Chicago and Cook County automatically qualify for food assistance immediately upon arrival at the food pantry. We are proud to serve everyone who walks through our doors regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, or any other factor.

While you will not need to produce an ID to receive food assistance, you may be asked to show one to ensure the food pantry serves your area and to make certain you have not exceeded the number of visits allowed per month. 

You’ll find that visiting a food pantry is very similar to a regular grocery shopping experience. Friendly staff are always available to assist you. When you come, be sure to bring along a cart or bags to transport your groceries home.

Many of our network of food pantry partners offer additional services at no charge. These can include everything from job training to help with SNAP applications to free diapers. Ask the food pantry staff what other services they might provide.

How Do I Volunteer at a Food Bank?

You can volunteer to help with packing, unpacking, and food distribution in your community at your local food bank or food pantry. Some volunteer opportunities may include repacking bulk products into family-size portions, restocking produce, delivering fresh produce, participating in food drives and more. Contact us to see how you can help.

What Kind of Donations Does a Food Bank Need?

The Greater Chicago Food Depository and your local food pantry could not accomplish their work without your generosity. If you would like to make a financial donation, either one time or recurring monthly, or would like to help financially in other ways, there are many opportunities for you to give. 

If you’d prefer to give a food donation you can ask your local pantry about what they need and their donation guidelines. Some items to consider giving include:

• Canned proteins
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Pasta and rice
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Soups and stews
• Shelf-stable milk or dairy alternatives
• Sauces and condiments
• Snacks
• Baby food
• Infant formula 
• Diapers

Working together, we can end hunger and food insecurity. On behalf of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, our network of partners, and your neighbors in need, we thank you for your help.