Child in a Chicago Bears shirt receives a plate of food

The 2026 Hunger in Chicago Report

New research shows that Chicago’s hunger crisis is deepening—and needs immediate action.

About the Report

The Highest Need We've Ever Recorded

The 2026 Hunger in Chicago Report, compiled by the Greater Chicago Food Depository in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, shows that food insecurity in Chicago is widespread, urgent and worsening.

Based on a June survey of 1,200 Chicago residents, the report captures the scale of hunger across the city and the economic pressures making it harder for families to make ends meet.

Explore the full report

Key Findings

The report’s findings are sobering, but unfortunately not surprising. They reinforce everything we’ve seen and heard from our neighbors and partners in recent years. Reliable access to nutritious food is not a future concern - it is an urgent need for hundreds of thousands of our neighbors today.

1 in 3

About 1 in 3 Chicago households are food insecure, meaning they do not have consistent access to enough food.

1 in 2

Families with children are especially vulnerable. Nearly 1 in 2 Chicago households with children are food insecure.

56%

of adults in food insecure households are employed, yet many still cannot afford food alongside housing, health care and other essentials.

31%

of Chicagoans report having delayed, reduced or skipped payments on basic needs like utilities or medicine to pay for food.

A Shrinking Federal Safety Net is Contributing to Food Insecurity

Since the devastating cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were enacted in July 2025, SNAP enrollment in Cook County decreased by 23% between July 2025 and June 2026. At a time when families need help with navigating elevated food prices, nearly 196,000 neighbors have lost access to our nation’s most important anti-hunger program compared to a year ago.

The 2026 Hunger in Chicago Report

Rising costs and shrinking federal support are causing a hunger crisis in our city.

Download the full report

Our Mission to End Hunger is More Urgent Than Ever Before

Behind every food insecurity statistic is a person, a family, and a neighbor striving for a better future. Most are working. Many are raising children. Many are older adults on fixed incomes. Every one of them deserves food.

Hunger doesn't belong in Chicago. And neither does looking away. Join a community working together to make sure everyone has enough.

Join Us

Take Action. Demand Change.

Help Your Neighbors Facing Food Insecurity in Chicago and Cook County

Hunger is a year-round problem that touches every community in Cook County, and every neighborhood in Chicago. Hundreds of thousands of people face hunger every year – yet even one is too many.

Get involved to give back to your community today and make a lasting difference.

Give

Donate money and make a critical impact in the work we do through a one-time gift, monthly donation, tribute gift, stock gift or more.

Volunteer

Donate time. Explore our food bank volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups and sign up to help at our facility or in the community.

Advocate

Lift your voice to support our advocacy efforts that address the root causes of hunger.

Start a Fundraiser

Leverage your network of friends, family or coworkers and make an immediate difference in our community.

Learn

Discover more about food insecurity in Chicago and Cook County and its impact on our community through research on hunger-related issues.

Additional Ways to Support

Attend an event, buy Food Depository merch or learn how to support us when you shop and dine.

Baby spinach leaves with water droplets.

You Belong to Our Community

Whether you need help finding food today or are ready to lend help to someone else, we’re here to connect, help, and inspire.

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