Promoting a Healthy Community

Nutritious food is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about the Food Depository’s nutrition policy and find resources to plan healthy meals on a budget.

Our Nutrition Policy

To ensure that our food pantries and programs provide a variety of nutritious options, the Food Depository prioritizes five categories of food. These are the items we focus on acquiring and distributing to our network.

Produce
Protein
Grains
Dairy
Other nutritious options

Our Nutrition Priorities

Produce
Protein
Grains
Dairy
Other

Produce

Fruits & Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Canned and frozen fruits packed in water, fruit juice, or light syrup
Canned or frozen vegetables that are low-sodium or sodium-free

Protein

Lean Protein

Low-fat, low-sodium lean proteins, including meats, poultry, fish, seafood, and eggs
Plant-based proteins including tofu, legumes, lentils, peas, nuts, and seeds

Grains

Whole Grains

100% whole grain items (where whole grains are the first ingredient)

Dairy

Dairy & Dairy-Free Items

2%, 1%, and skim milk
Reduced-fat cheese and yogurt
Calcium-fortified dairy-free options (e.g. almond, soy, pea, rice, cashew milk)

Other

Other Nutritious Items

Snack foods that are low in sugar, sodium, and fat
Unsweetened plain, carbonated, and flavored water
Items specifically designed for special populations, such as baby formula
Cooking staples to support healthy food preparation, such as cooking oils and spices

Nutrition Education Resources

Find healthy food facts, recipes and information here.

Healthy recipes from Chicago’s Community Kitchens: Learn to prepare pear muffins and mango pepper slaw.
Hunger and Health: Feeding America, the national network of food banks, collects research, recipes and more.
Illinois Nutrition Education Program: Families who receive SNAP benefits are eligible for these educational programs.