Smiling woman receiving groceries at a food pantry.

Food Assistance 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 Assistance Programs & Other Benefits in 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 Assistance Programs

Search our map to find free groceries or a meal at a food pantry or food assistance program near you.

Food & Medical Benefits

Get free help applying for Illinois SNAP benefits/Illinois 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.

Support for Families

Learn about nutrition and benefit programs to support families with children.

Support for Older Adults

Receive shelf-stable food boxes and learn about food 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 free diapers, give us a call and we’ll guide you in the right direction.

Reach out to us

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.

Food & Medical Benefits

Get Help Applying for Benefits and Other Programs

Our team can help you apply for the SNAP Program (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 benefits programs that offer support for families and may work for you.

Get Help With Benefits

SNAP/Link

See what Illinois SNAP benefits has to offer and get answers to your questions on food assistance programs, 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

Lunch tray with food and a carton of milk.

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 assistance programs and support programs that can better your life.

Contact us