Food Programs and Support Programs in Chicago & Cook County

Get help finding food and accessing programs at one of over 800 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community partners in the Chicagoland area.

Greater Chicago Food Depository Programs

Find Food and Programs Throughout Chicago and Cook County

Discover our network of community-based partners and explore our related programs to find additional support and resources near you.

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.

You Belong to Our Community

As a community, we have the resources to make sure no one feels hunger. If you are experiencing hunger or food insecurity, we are here to help.

Workforce Development

Start a New Career with our Job Training Programs

Are you an unemployed or underemployed adult living in Cook County?

Our free programs offer you paid training, professional development and workforce skills, and completion bonuses, so you can enter the job market ready to apply for skilled roles.

Learn more about our free job training programs

Hospitality

Preparation for a career in hospitality, foodservice or customer service.

Warehouse & Factory Line

Preparation for an entry-level, semi-skilled position in the supply chain industry.

Story Spotlight

Warehouse and Job Training Helps Elizabeth Davis Rejoin Workforce

As she was trying to reenter the workforce following a battle with cancer, flooding issues in Elizabeth Davis’ apartment ruined many of her clothes and furniture.

The support from Davis’ family and the Greater Chicago Food Depository job training program helped her overcome these challenges and land a role at O’Hare after graduation.

Read Elizabeth’s Story

Food & Medical Benefits

Get Help Applying for Benefits Programs

Our benefits team can help you apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as Link or food stamps) and Medicaid, a federal and state program that helps with healthcare costs for millions of Americans. But there are dozens of additional programs that may work for you.

Get Help With Benefits

SNAP/Link

See what SNAP has to offer and get answers to your questions on food stamps, eligibility and case management.

Medicaid

Explore Medicaid, a federal and state program that helps you get access to critical healthcare and services.

WIC

Find out how WIC (nutrition for Women, Infants and Children) helps ensure families receive the food needed for growing bodies.

LIHEAP

Learn how to seek assistance with electricity and heating in Chicago and the Cook County region through LIHEAP.

EITC

Find out more about who is eligible for tax credits through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

School Readiness Assistance/Head Start

Find out if you qualify for assistance with free school readiness and the Head Start program.

Get Involved

Want to give back to your community?

Getting help and giving help go hand in hand. Be a part of the solution and volunteer or support our community in a way that works for you.

Find Ways to Help My Community

All Programs

Want to Know More About What We Do?

In addition to these programs, we help support several other services in and around Chicago. Learn more about how we’re helping and serving you and our communities.

Learn about the other ways we help

Need Help In Cook County?

You’re a part of our community, and we want to help. Reach out to our team. We’re here to point you in the direction of the food and support programs that can better your life.

Contact us