Greater Chicago Food Depository

07/08/2021

Tomatillos are a staple ingredient that many of our neighbors in need look for. We are working to better serve our community with a wider range of food selections that are culturally relevant. Thanks to our volunteers for helping to box tomatillos in a recent volunteer session!

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Los tomatillos son un ingrediente muy importante para nuestra comunidad. En el Banco de Alimentos de Chicago, estamos trabajando para proveer más amplia de selecciones de alimentos que se puedan incorporar en todos los platillos. ¡Gracias a nuestros voluntarios por ayudar a empacar tomatillos!

07/07/2021

“It’s about having enough nutritious fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread (and more) ... Our clients will be able to receive all of that on a more regular basis and in a larger quantity, and they’ll welcome that.”

One of our partners and equity grant recipients, Windsor Park pantry, has been a South Shore staple for more than 30 years. With this new funding, they will be expanding their storage and days of distributing healthy items for families. Read their story: https://bit.ly/3AtlFqV

07/05/2021

The Fight Against Pandemic Hunger Is Far from Over

"Food insecurity cuts across communities, often affecting those who never thought they’d be in such a position — something that’s never more true than in this pandemic era."

Like us, food banks all across the country are working to end food insecurity. Even with hope on the horizon with the pandemic, the fight to end hunger now is still prevalent. Read how the Food Depository and other food banks are helping our neighbors in need in The Kitchn story: https://bit.ly/3Afbu9o

We talked to food banks around the country to see what's changed and what still needs to be done.

07/04/2021

Happy Fourth of July!🎇 As we celebrate America's freedom, lets continue to provide freedom from hunger! Sign up to #EndHungerNow in our community: chicagosfoodbank.org/volunteer

07/03/2021

We recently visited our partners at Windsor Park Lutheran’s community garden in South Shore. Last harvest, fresh produce from the garden went to feed 50 households at the church’s pantry. They hope to do the same this year. Stay tuned for more about Windsor Park Lutheran, one of our recent grant recipients, in an upcoming blog post!

07/01/2021

In West Englewood, a new food pantry opens at corner of hope and heartache - Greater Chicago Food Depository

“One of the main principles of our faith, and what is strongly stressed, is feeding people, feeding the poor, feeding the hungry, and also helping your neighbors.”

One of our partners, Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) has worked to uplift the Englewood community by providing opportunities for job training, promoting art and mental health, and expanding access to healthy food. A new grocery store, expected to open in the fall, will be apart of their holistic vision for the corner of 63rd and Racine.

Read their story: chicagosfoodbank.org/blog/in-west-englewood-a-new-food-pantry-opens-at-corner-of-hope-and-heartache/

They gathered in a circle in the alley behind the food pantry, just a couple blocks from where the shooting happened earlier that morning. It was the bi-weekly huddle for the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), an Englewood nonprofit focused

06/30/2021

Congratulations to the 11 graduates who recently completed our Certified Logistics & Warehouse Technician program! This 12-week job training program prepares individuals for higher-wage jobs in the competitive and in-demand warehouse, logistics and supply chain industries. Also, huge thank you to our workforce development and warehouse teams for mentoring these students!

06/29/2021

South Shore’s Fight for Food – South Side Weekly

“We reach out and we find out who are the stakeholders, who are the key people in those communities, because we don’t want us telling the community what they need, we want to partner and for them to tell us what their needs are."

For decades, systemic inequities and racial injustice have left South Shore residents without adequate access to nutritious food. We're working with our partners and local organizations to end food insecurity and its root causes in the community. Read more in this article from South Side Weekly: https://bit.ly/3hgNb24

As the City looks beyond the pandemic, residents of South Shore say there’s a long way to go to address food insecurity.

06/28/2021

Alma Hernandez

Al igual que millones de padres en todo el país, Alma Hernández lucha para proveer alimentos nutritivos para su familia durante la pandemia. Alma acude a Blue Cap food pantry en Blue Island para obtener comida para ella y sus cuatro hijos. Nuestra red de programas y despensas de alimentos están aquí para usted, sin compromiso y en español. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita comida, visite: BancoDeAlimentosChicago.org/comida

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When Alma struggled to consistently afford nutritious food for her family during the pandemic, she turned to the Blue Cap food pantry in Blue Island to provide food for herself and her four children. Our network of food pantries and programs is here for you, no strings attached and in Spanish. If you or someone you know needs food, visit: chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food

06/26/2021

"When we’re talking about how to best meet the needs of LGBTQ folks experiencing food insecurity, this particular community is not always at the table to share their experiences and provide their input."

Our partners at Brave Space Alliance are not only providing food for their neighbors facing hunger. They're also working to create a welcoming and safe place for LGBTQ people who might be reluctant to visit a pantry for fear of discrimination. Learn more about how our partners are helping: https://bit.ly/2TPtZ3s

"When we’re talking about how to best meet the needs of LGBTQ folks experiencing food insecurity, this particular community is not always at the table to share their experiences and provide their input."

Our partners at Brave Space Alliance are not only providing food for their neighbors facing hunger. They're also working to create a welcoming and safe place for LGBTQ people who might be reluctant to visit a pantry for fear of discrimination. Learn more about how our partners are helping: https://bit.ly/2TPtZ3s

06/25/2021

| Chicago Reader

"There are 4,000 volunteers working across the pantries. Many of them are older adults. These are the heroes and the people who got us through the pandemic. That's what I think about when I think of the strength of the food system."

We're proud to be a part of the city's first Food Equity Council, which is working to improve food access and equity for all. Read more on how they plan to combat the lack of food infrastructure in Chicago's Black communities: https://bit.ly/3xR6uFE

The group is reexamining food distribution through a racial equity lens while fighting for long-term systemic change.

06/24/2021

Has your family struggled to afford internet access at home during the pandemic? The Emergency Broadcast Benefit Program provides eligible households with a discount on their internet bill. See if you qualify: https://getemergencybroadband.org/

Has your family struggled to afford internet access at home during the pandemic? The Emergency Broadcast Benefit Program provides eligible households with a discount on their internet bill. See if you qualify: https://getemergencybroadband.org/

06/23/2021

We recently launched a brand new find food map! This tool has new filters, including an "Open Today" feature, to easily help you find a food pantry or program near you. If you or someone you know needs food, visit chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food or check out our new Spanish-language map at BancoDeAlimentosChicago.org/comida

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¡Recientemente lanzamos un nuevo mapa para buscar alimentos! Esta página tiene nuevos filtros, incluida una función de "Hoy abierto", para ayudarlo a encontrar fácilmente un programa o una despensa de alimentos cerca de usted. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita comida, visite nuestro nuevo mapa en español en BancoDeAlimentosChicago.org/comida

We recently launched a brand new find food map! This tool has new filters, including an "Open Today" feature, to easily help you find a food pantry or program near you. If you or someone you know needs food, visit chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food or check out our new Spanish-language map at BancoDeAlimentosChicago.org/comida

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¡Recientemente lanzamos un nuevo mapa para buscar alimentos! Esta página tiene nuevos filtros, incluida una función de "Hoy abierto", para ayudarlo a encontrar fácilmente un programa o una despensa de alimentos cerca de usted. Si usted o alguien que conoce necesita comida, visite nuestro nuevo mapa en español en BancoDeAlimentosChicago.org/comida

06/22/2021

Francia Flores

Francia siempre busca la manera de hacer su parte para la comunidad.
Eliminar el hambre en Chicago y el condado de Cook no es fácil, pero gracias a personas como Francia, estamos cada vez más cerca de lograrlo.
Si usted también quiere ser un voluntario, visite: BancoDeAlimentosChicago.org/voluntariado

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Francia is always looking for ways to do her part by giving back to the community. Ending hunger in Chicago and Cook County is not easy, but thanks to volunteers like Francia, we are one step closer to taking hunger off the table for all our neighbors in need.
If you want to be a volunteer too, visit:
chicagosfoodbank.org/volunteer

06/21/2021

Why LGBTQ people are more likely to face hunger (and how our partners are helping) - Greater Chicago Food Depository

More than 1 in 4 LGBTQ adults in the US have experienced food insecurity. Our partners are actively working to address this injustice. No one should go hungry, regardless of who you love or any other identifying factor.

Learn more why LGBTQ people are more likely to face hunger and how we're working to help: https://bit.ly/2TPtZ3s

By Michael J. O’Loughlin In normal times, the Center on Halsted hosts a robust schedule of meals and social activities geared toward LGBTQ older adults, including lunches, parties and social outings. For many of those attending, including residents in the nearly

06/20/2021

Happy Father's Day! Today we celebrate all the fathers and grandfathers who stand against hunger in their neighborhoods. Thank you for everything you do to provide for your family and community.

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¡Feliz Día del Padre! Hoy celebramos a todos los padres, figuras paternas y abuelitos que trabajan para acabar con el hambre en Chicago y el condado de Cook. Estamos muy agradecidos por todo lo que hacen para brindar alimentos y esperanza para su familia y la comunidad.

06/19/2021

On this day, we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Today and everyday, we celebrate the Black community, we honor the Black community, we stand with the Black community and will continue fighting for the Black community. Thank you for your contributions to build a Greater Chicago.

On this day, we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Today and everyday, we celebrate the Black community, we honor the Black community, we stand with the Black community and will continue fighting for the Black community. Thank you for your contributions to build a Greater Chicago.

06/18/2021

Congratulations to one of our partners Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) on their new Fresh Market, opening later in the fall! The market and their recently opened food pantry are part of their Go Green on Racine plan to make fresh food available and accessible for those in the community.

06/17/2021

Thank you to WGN TV for joining us for a day of service today! #NexstarCares We're so grateful to all of our volunteers who help provide food and hope for our neighbors in need!

If you want to give back to our community, sign up for a volunteer session: chicagosfoodbank.org/volunteer

06/16/2021

Congrats to one of our partners, Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), on their new food pantry! Their pantry is expanding access to healthy food in Englewood. Later this fall, they will also be opening a new Fresh Market across the street from the pantry.

06/14/2021

At Least 8,000 Chicago Families Living In Poverty Aren't Getting Food Assistance, Depository Says. New Program Aims To Find Out Why

“Our goal is to empower them to build their capacity so they can offer benefits outreach in their communities.”

SNAP benefits can be a lifeline for families struggling to afford food. Our new SNAP pilot program will help to reduce the barriers that make it hard for eligible families to enroll in food stamps and other public benefits. Read more in this Block Club Chicago story: https://bit.ly/3vlJsoY

WEST SIDE — A food bank is developing a program to reduce the barriers that make it hard for eligible families to enroll in food stamps and other public benefits. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is launching the pilot program in North Lawndale, Austin and Englewood. Residents in the three neig...

06/13/2021

Need free food for your kids this summer? ☀️ Text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 to find a site near you or visit: summermealsillinois.org

🍎 Adults and families can find food pantries and programs at: chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food

Need free food for your kids this summer? ☀️ Text FOOD or COMIDA to 877-877 to find a site near you or visit: summermealsillinois.org

🍎 Adults and families can find food pantries and programs at: chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food

06/11/2021

"The Emergency Rental Assistance Program application deadline has been extended! If you need help paying for your rent or utilities, visit chicago.gov/renthelp. Any eligible tenant or landlord may apply, regardless of immigration status."

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¡Se ha extendido el último día para la solicitud del Programa de Asistencia de Emergencia para el Alquiler! Si necesita ayuda para la renta o facturas de utilidades públicas, visite chicago.gov/renthelp. Cualquier inquilino o propietario elegible, independientemente de su estado migratorio, puede presentar una solicitud.

The deadline to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has moved to Tuesday, June 15.

If you live in Chicago & need help paying your rent and or your utilities due to COVID-19 call (312) 698-0202 or visit chicago.gov/renthelp to see if you qualify for up to 15 months of rental assistance. 🏘️

06/10/2021

We're so grateful to the Care for Real food pantry and other partners who proudly serve our LGBTQ neighbors. Thank you for being a welcoming place during #Pride and beyond!

“We’re providing a safe space and serving the q***r community, which I’m a part. It gives me a tremendous sense of pride.” Meet Gregory, the executive director at @cfrchicago, a food pantry in Chicago that serves a large LGTBQ community.

“Historically, the LGBTQ community is vulnerable,” he said. “Many may not have a ready support system because they’ve left their homes. I think that’s why many are more at risk of facing hunger.” And, Gregory knows that asking for help can be even harder for the LGBTQ community, “especially now with so much anti-trans sentiment,” he said.

That's why the food pantry provides a warm, caring and safe environment. "We always greet people with a smile. We want to be welcoming,” he said.

The Care for Real food pantry is just one example of the incredible work being done by LGTBQ leaders across the Feeding America network. We're thankful for all they do! ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜

06/09/2021

The Food Depository commends the $1 billion in federal funding toward hunger relief! This investment will help strengthen emergency food assistance and provide nutritious food to our community members in need.

Read our full statement:https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Statement-on-USDA-Hunger-Relief.pdf

The Food Depository commends the $1 billion in federal funding toward hunger relief! This investment will help strengthen emergency food assistance and provide nutritious food to our community members in need.

Read our full statement:https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Statement-on-USDA-Hunger-Relief.pdf