Disclaimer: This page is an independent informational guide and is not the official website of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. For current pantry locations, hours, eligibility rules, and distribution schedules, always check the official organization or call before visiting.
What is the Greater Chicago Food Depository?
Founded in 1979, the Greater Chicago Food Depository (sometimes called Chicago's Food Bank) is the regional food bank for Cook County, Illinois. It sources, stores, and distributes food in bulk to a network of more than 800 partner agencies: neighborhood pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, after-school programs, senior nutrition sites, and mobile distributions.
How to find food assistance in Chicago
- Use the official Find Food map on chicagosfoodbank.org and enter your ZIP code.
- Dial 2-1-1 or text FOOD to 304-304 for live referrals.
- Check our directory of food pantries in Illinois.
- Ask a local library, school, faith community, or alderperson's office — they often keep updated pantry lists.
Food pantry vs food bank: what's the difference?
- Food bank — a regional warehouse that collects, stores, and distributes food in bulk to partner agencies. Most do not serve the public directly.
- Food pantry — a neighborhood-level program that gives groceries directly to households. This is usually where individuals and families pick up food.
- Soup kitchen / meal site — serves prepared meals on-site, often with no documentation required.
- Mobile pantry — a scheduled truck distribution in neighborhoods with limited pantry coverage.
How to search for nearby pantry locations
- Open the Find Food map.
- Enter your ZIP code or address.
- Filter by program type (pantry, soup kitchen, mobile, senior) and day of the week.
- Call the listed pantry first to confirm hours and eligibility.
What to bring when visiting a food pantry
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or any government ID)
- Proof of address — a piece of mail or utility bill is usually enough
- Reusable grocery bags or a cart
- A list of household members and ages, if known
- Documentation requirements vary; many pantries do not require any.
Emergency food help in Chicago
- Dial 2-1-1 or text "FOOD" to 304-304 for same-day referrals.
- Many Chicago hospital emergency departments and federally qualified health centers can connect patients to immediate food resources.
- The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division operates emergency food programs across Cook County.
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago provides emergency food and case management.
- See our emergency food assistance guide.
Food help for families, seniors, and individuals
- Families with children — WIC (Women, Infants & Children), school breakfast and lunch, Summer Food Service.
- Seniors — Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), home-delivered meals via Chicago Department of Family & Support Services and area agencies on aging.
- Veterans — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center social work team for food and benefits navigation.
- Anyone — SNAP benefits via the Illinois Department of Human Services. See our SNAP/EBT eligibility guide.
Important contact and verification note
Pantry hours, eligibility rules, and locations can change without notice. Always confirm with the specific pantry or the Food Depository's official Find Food map before visiting. Avoid relying on third-party listings (including this page) as a final source of truth.