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Free Monthly Boxes of Food for Seniors

Find a location offering a monthly food box of nutritious shelf-stable items and groceries for older adults.

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How to Receive Free Monthly Boxes of Food for Seniors

We provide monthly food boxes for Chicago and Cook County seniors with groceries full of key nutrients, such as Vitamins A and C, calcium and iron through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

Older adults aged 60 or older must meet income guidelines and apply to receive monthly food boxes from sites participating in the commodity boxes program.

Find participating sites

To qualify for the program, your household income must be less than 130% of the federal poverty level.

Read our frequently asked questions to LEARN IF YOU QUALIFY

Find a Site Distributing Boxes of Food for Seniors Near You

Scroll down to find a list of all sites participating in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. If you prefer to use a map view, use the "Commodity Boxes" filter under "More" at the top of our find food map to locate a site near you giving away food boxes.

COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM

Participating Chicago and Cook County Locations

Eligible older adults may visit one of the sites to apply to receive monthly food boxes. Once you apply at a site, that will become your permanent pick-up location.

Please make sure you bring a photo ID. We recommend you call your local site to confirm distribution days and times.

Many locations are full, but you are welcome to apply at your preferred site to be put on the waitlist until a space opens up.

Chicago Hope

2505 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647
773-499-9763

Distribution time: Fridays from 10 a.m. to Noon

 

Grace & Peace

1856 N. Leclaire Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
773-619-3160

Distribution time: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Heritage International Christian Church

5320 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60639
773-237-9600

Distribution time: 2nd & 4th Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon

 

United for Better Living

4540 W Washington St, Gurnee, IL 60031
773-261-3309

Distribution time: 2nd Friday from 1 to 3 p.m.

 

Casa Catalina

4537 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60609
773-376-9425

Distribution time: 4th Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.; 4th Wednesday from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

 

Edward G. Irvin

500 E. 67th St., Chicago, IL 60637
312-852-6923

Distribution time: Mondays from 2 to 5 p.m.; 2nd and 4th Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m.

 

Free-N-Deed Market

14200 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago, IL 60619
708-825-9059

Distribution time: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m.

 

Maple Morgan Park

11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, IL 60643
773-239-3013

Distribution time: Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m.

 

New Eclipse Community Alliance

715 W. 51st St., Chicago, IL 60609
773-538-4957

Distribution time: Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Our Lady of Fatima

2751 W. 38th Pl., Chicago, IL 60632
773-575-2458

Distribution time: 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10 a.m. to Noon

 

Roseland Christian Ministries

10858 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60628
773-264-5665

Distribution time: 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

St. Francis de Sales

10155 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago, IL 60617
773-731-7272

Distribution time: Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

St. Blase

7438 W. 61st Pl., Summit, IL 60501
708-563-2407

Distribution time: Tuesdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the Income Requirements to Receive Food Boxes and Other FAQS

Can’t find an answer to your question? We’re here to help.

Reach out to us

Anyone who lives in Cook County, is 60 years of age or older and meets the income requirements can receive food boxes from the sites listed above through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

To qualify for the program, your household income must be less than 130% of the federal poverty level:

  • Household size of 1: $19,578 annually
  • Household size of 2: $26,572 annually
  • Household size of 3: $33,566 annually
  • Household size of 4: $40,560 annually
  • Household size of 5: $47,554 annually
  • Household size of 6: $54,548 annually
  • Household size of 7: $61,542 annually
  • Household size of 8: $68,536 annually
  • For each additional household member, add $6,994 annually

View the locations above to find where you can apply in person and pick up a box.

You need to bring identification documents that verify your age and address. Acceptable forms of identification are a state-issued ID, driver’s license, birth certificate, medical record, insurance policy, voter registration, military record, consular ID or a Chicago Municipal ID.

The type of produce will vary month-to-month, but the box is a standard combination of shelf-stable items including canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned protein, shelf-stable milk, juice, cereal, peanut butter, grains, legumes and pasta. It also comes with a block of cheese.

The box can weigh around 30 pounds. All of our locations have staff or volunteers who are able to help bring your box out to a vehicle or assist you in loading it into a cart.

You may only receive one box per month. It is fine to miss a month, but if you miss two months in a row a site coordinator can remove you from the program to open a spot for someone else.

Yes! When you apply, you will have the option to assign one or more proxies who can pick up your box on your behalf. A proxy will just need to bring their ID to pick up your box.

No. The location where you apply is the only location that you can receive a commodity box from. If you are ever interested in picking up from a different location, ask the program coordinator at your current site about transferring your application.

Find Additional Support and Food for Seniors Today

There are many other food pantries and programs across Cook County that offer food to older adults and anyone in need. Search our map to find free groceries, a meal and help for seniors at a food pantry or program near you.