LEARN HOW HUNGER IN CHICAGO AND COOK COUNTY AFFECTS OUR NEIGHBORS

Discover more about food insecurity, poverty and hunger and their impact on our community through statistics and research on hunger-related issues.

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What is Food Insecurity? What is Hunger?

Food is a basic human right. More than simple sustenance, it fuels hope and makes more possible. Only a hunger-free community can truly be healthy.

Food Insecurity

Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to adequate, nutritious food. It is the set of circumstances that prevent your access to food.

Hunger

Hunger is what you feel when you don’t have enough to eat. People who are food insecure struggle to avoid hunger, a more narrow physiological condition.

The 2026 Hunger in Chicago Report

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

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.

How Does Poverty Affect Food Insecurity?

Poverty and food insecurity are linked – but other factors also prevent consistent access to food.

People with incomes above the federal poverty level income threshold can often still be food insecure. Many food insecure households also do not qualify for federal nutrition assistance programs.

Explore our interactive map to learn about food insecurity in chicago and cook county

Who Can Experience Food Insecurity?

The majority of our neighbors facing food insecurity are children, older adults and working families.

For some, hunger is a temporary challenge — caused by a job loss, an illness or other short-term setback. Many Americans are only one paycheck away from facing food insecurity.

For others, it is an ongoing struggle. Other barriers to obtaining food often include unemployment, lack of access to transportation and health problems. These barriers and more can prevent people from obtaining enough food for their entire household.

We Must Come Together To Help End Hunger in Chicago and Cook County

Together, we connect our neighbors with healthy food, lift our voices and advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger.

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Research

Learn How Food Insecurity Affects Our Community

Read our research on hunger and related issues.

Additional Resources

Press Release

New Report: One-Third of Chicago Households Are Food Insecure

Publication

Rising Food Prices: Impact on Hunger and Nutrition Assistance Programs

Research

Improving access to WIC in Illinois

Our Story

How We’re Helping End Hunger in Chicago

The Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago’s food bank, started with one purpose – to nourish our neighbors at risk of hunger. And as the needs of our neighbors have evolved, so have we.

Our work against hunger and for food equity has expanded to address the issues that cause food insecurity, poverty, and hunger. To achieve our mission, we work in partnership with a network of community-based organizations and individuals. Together, we connect our neighbors with healthy food, lift our voices and advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger. Together, we are greater. Together, we can end hunger.

A group of neighbors gathered together at a food bank.

Together We Are Greater

Stories

Read Stories of How Our Network is Helping to End Hunger

Hear from your neighbors to find out how hunger affects our communities and how we can join together to change the world starting right here in Chicago.

No One Should Experience Food Insecurity

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

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