Chicago's food bank, founded in 1979, distributing healthy food across Chicago and Cook County through a network of about 800 partner programs, with benefits enrolment help, nutrition education and policy advocacy.
Greater Chicago Food Depository is Chicago's food bank. Founded in 1979, it sources and distributes healthy food to people experiencing food insecurity across Chicago and Cook County, Illinois. The organisation operates through a network of approximately 800 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community programs, and also accepts commercial food donations to support that distribution.
Its work extends beyond immediate food relief. The Food Depository helps households apply for SNAP/Link, Medicaid and other public benefits; runs nutrition education programs; and supports older adults and families. Alongside direct service, it engages in policy advocacy and community partnerships aimed at the underlying causes of hunger and poverty.
The organisation mobilises volunteers, residents, businesses and nonprofit partners across the region through volunteer programs and fundraising events. Its stated focus is on ending hunger and strengthening food security, with an emphasis on healthy food access, regional collaboration and systemic as well as practical solutions.
