Host Your Team at the Food Depository

Our campus is open to Food Depository volunteers, local community organizations, and other corporate or non-profit groups participating in the movement to end hunger.

We consider all requests from volunteers, organizations and events that are aligned with our mission, vision and values, and prioritize non-profits, community-based organizations and other community-centered events. At this time, we are unable to host personal events, such as birthday parties, weddings, etc.

Guests at the Food Depository will be asked to agree to terms of service and abide by our code of conduct.

There is no fee for your reservation or use of our space. We welcome donations to offset administrative and cleaning costs.

We are open Monday - Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Food Depository is closed on Sunday.

Visit our contact page for driving and public transportation directions.

Free parking is available on a first come, first serve basis. There are over 300 parking spots available for all volunteers, visitors and Food Depository staff. You can access the parking lot via the entrance on Ann Lurie Place. All groups on buses should still be dropped off at our parking lot entrance on Karlov Avenue.

Street parking is available along the perimeter of the parking lot as well

The nearest CTA bus stop is the Pulaski & 41st St. stop on the 53A bus. The nearest CTA train stop is the Pulaski stop on the Orange line. The nearest Metra station is the Cicero station at 26th and Cicero, Cicero, IL 60804.

See the capacity for each meeting space listed above. We request no more than 200 guests at a time.

We require all guests on-site to visit our front desk upon arrival and complete the required check-in process. If you are coming to volunteer, this will already be done as part of your session.

The Food Depository does not provide catering services, but we recommend the vendors below. We ask that vendor details are provided to your Food Depository point of contact in advance. Guests are also required to bring their own dinnerware, utensils and napkins.

Coffee and water services can be requested but are subject to availability.

The Food Depository will support facilities set up and waste management.

Please note that there is no on-site kitchen available for use. Alcohol is not permitted.

Recommended catering:

• Alonti Café & Catering
• Nicole Jordan Catering
• Carver 47
• CMB Catering
• Apple Spice Catering Co.

The Food Depository cannot guarantee dinnerware, flatware, and glassware for your event. Please plan on bringing your own.

Alcohol is not permitted.

Conference rooms and meeting spaces are equipped with tables, chairs and A/V equipment. A/V equipment may include screens, projectors, and a Meeting Owl, a hybrid collaboration tool with an all-in-one 360° camera, mic, and speaker. A podium, microphones and coat racks can be made available by request as well.

The Food Depository has a meditation room, lactation room and self-service water stations available to guests.

Elevators, accessible entrances, bathrooms, and parking spaces, including for expectant mothers

Yes, walkthroughs can be coordinated with your primary point of contact at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

All ages are welcome at the Food Depository. The Food Depository does not have on-site childcare and encourages adult supervision at all times.

Our volunteer sessions have the following age guidelines:

Youth volunteers between the ages of 11-15 are welcome to volunteer at the Food Depository during regular sessions. For every 6 to 8 youth in attendance, one adult (over the age of 18) must accompany them. Food bank volunteers over the age of 16 can volunteer independently.

Every Saturday afternoon, we host a Family Day. These Family Days are our volunteer sessions designed for kids ages 5 to 10. We require a 1:2 adult to child ratio.

Volunteers must wear:

• Pants that cover your ankles (no shorts)
• Shirts that cover your shoulders (no tank tops)
• Enclosed shoes (no sandals/clogs)

You will not be permitted to work in the warehouse if you are wearing sandals or shorts/short skirt. Depending on the project you are assigned to, you may be asked to remove jewelry (including piercings, but rings are acceptable).

Office guests may dress casually and comfortably.

A limited number of lockers are available for small bags, but larger items are not encouraged.

No firearms or weapons are permitted on the Food Depository property.