Food Banks and Pantries in Chicago, IL

How to Get Free Food in Chicago

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is the regional Feeding America member serving Cook County through roughly 700 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Anyone in need can receive free food at a partner site with no income requirement at most locations. Call 211 or use the food bank website find-food map to locate the nearest pantry or mobile distribution.

Regional Food Bank: Greater Chicago Food Depository

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Chicago, IL area. It distributes food to an estimated 700 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across Cook County and the Chicago metro area.

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Chicago

This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.

Soup Kitchens and Community Meals

The Greater Chicago Food Depository partners with soup kitchens and meal programs across Cook County, including the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and the Pacific Garden Mission, which serves three hot meals daily in the South Loop. Many churches and community centers on the South and West Sides run free community meal nights. Most meal sites welcome anyone with no questions asked, and some also hand out groceries to take home.

Mobile Pantry Program

The Greater Chicago Food Depository operates a Mobile Pantry Program that delivers fresh produce, dairy, and shelf-stable goods to neighborhoods with limited grocery access on a rotating weekly schedule. The trucks set up at community centers, churches, and parking lots for a few hours at a time. The program focuses on areas classified as food deserts on the South and West Sides. Schedules are published on the food bank website.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

The Greater Chicago Food Depository helps Cook County residents apply for SNAP through trained staff at partner sites, its main warehouse, and community events. They offer application help, document uploads, and interviews by phone. The program also assists with Medicaid and other public benefits. Services are free and available in English and Spanish.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Chicago

Call 211 in Illinois, visit chicagosfoodbank.org and use the Find Food map, or call the food bank directly at 773-247-3663. The Feeding America locator at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank also covers Chicago. Most pantries require no appointment, but hours vary and change, so call ahead.

More Food & Benefits Guides

• SNAP / Food Stamps guide (general)
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
• EBT card guide -- how it works
• Free meals & community kitchens
• P-EBT & Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

Frequently Asked Questions