Join Our Network

Our impact is made possible in large part by members like you. Your efforts will directly impact men, women and children facing hunger in our community. Start an agency or program and give back to Cook County.

Start an Agency

Our partner agencies are the backbone of our food distribution network. The Food Depository works with nonprofit organizations of all sizes to fight hunger. If you are interested in partnering with the Food Depository, download our documents to learn about the requirements and start your application.

View application New member eligibility requirements

Host a Summer Meal Program

During the summer, children are at an increased risk of hunger because they no longer receive free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school. In 2017, the Food Depository worked with 257 sites to distribute more than 560,000 meals to children. Be a part of the solution to summer hunger by hosting a summer meal program. Applications for Summer 2019 will be available online in spring.

Host a Kids Cafe

Kids Cafe® is a national initiative of Feeding America administered locally by the Greater Chicago Food Depository. When you host a Kids Cafe, you’ll be providing nutritious meals and enrichment activities that support physical and academic potential among children and teens. Your participation frees up food purchasing funds for other programs and helps struggling families stretch their food budgets. Children get an opportunity to connect with their peers along with a healthy meal.

Apply online to host a Kids Cafe program in the 2018-2019 school year.

Offer Benefits Assistance

When more agencies are informed about the SNAP application process and its requirements, more individuals and families can get the assistance they need to access benefits. Our Benefits Outreach staff offer hands-on workshops that help agencies answer client questions.

This training is intended for those who have direct contact with clients who may be eligible for SNAP, and for those who want to learn more about the SNAP program. For more information, please call 773-843-5416 and press option 2, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.