In Support of Increased Food Security: A Guide to Greater Chicagoland Food Assistance Resources

In a perfect world, consistent and easy access to the nutrition we all need and deserve would be a given. The world, sadly, is not perfect, and we know nothing (and no one) is. There are many ways to find food and other resources near you at reduced or no cost, and we wanted to help by identifying and sharing some of them. The list below is not exhaustive, and hopefully will be a good starting place for you or anyone you know who could benefit:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Previously known as food stamps, SNAP provides monthly benefits on an Illinois Link card that can be used for buying groceries. The Illinois Link card can be used at most grocery stores and at some farmer’s markets. There are specific eligibility requirements based on income, household size, and other factors. You can apply for SNAP in a few ways: 

1. online through IDHS (Illinois Department of Health and Human Services) 

2. online using the Illinois ABE (Application for Benefits Eligibility) system

3. by phone, you can call the ABE Help Line (1-800-843-6154 [Voice], Nextalk 1-800-324-5553, or 711 TTY Relay)

4. visit a local Family Community Resource Center (find your local center here) and apply in-person

Summer EBT (SUN Bucks): Provided through IDHS, this program provides families with a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible child in the household. The money can be used to buy food during the summer and can help bridge the gap when school meals are not available. There are some eligibility requirements and some may need to apply, though others are automatically eligible. You can learn more about eligibility and this program here.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository: Their aim is to end hunger by connecting people with and increasing access to food in their neighborhoods. Their website includes access to a network of local, community-based partners and programs that can help those in need find resources. An interactive map on their site helps you find free groceries or meals at food pantries near you. You can also browse cooking videos and find recipes to help with preparing the foods you have on hand. They also offer help with applying for SNAP and other benefits, as well as offer lots of nutrition education resources.

TaskForce Prevention and Community Services (TaskForce) provides resources, support, and advocacy to the Austin community on the West Side of Chicago in a number of ways, including a food pantry, fresh produce days, and assistance with applying for SNAP benefits.

Feeding Illinois: This is the Partner State Association of Feeding America food banks that serve Illinois. On their website, you can find access to food banks in Chicago and across Illinois, as well as farms and food businesses near you.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): A federally-funded program that provides nutrition assistance and education to those who are pregnant, have recently given birth, and to young children. Some of the resources include breastfeeding counseling, a monthly benefit card to purchase food items approved by the program, infants receive infant formula and cereal and baby food as they get older, and health care referrals. You can learn more information about WIC, eligibility requirements, and how to apply through the Chicago Department of Public Health. 

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program): This federal program distributes food to low-income individuals and families, including seniors. Resources include food pantries, soup kitchens, and assistance with finding other local food assistance. There are income-based eligibility requirements to be able to participate in TEFAP, and you can learn more about the program here.

Meals on Wheels Chicago: Their mission is to help eligible Chicago seniors and those with disabilities gain increased nutrition support via meal delivery and access to a food pantry for seniors. Last year alone, they provided over 4.5 million meals via their delivery and food pantry programs. They have expanded their offerings and now even provide pet care packs for seniors. Including food and other pet essentials.

Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA): The IDOA provides seniors with free home-delivered meals, shares information on where to find group/congregate dining opportunities, and can assist with other food assistance programs, such as SNAP. Their site has plenty of ways for seniors to get food for their homes, and find ways to connect and share meals others in their neighborhoods.

We Got You Illinois: This site offers access to and support in applying for multiple food and nutrition assistance programs across Illinois. They are prepared to help individuals, families, children, and seniors get the nutrition they need to be healthy and happy. Unsure if you’re eligible or how to apply? They’re there to help. Their site also keeps you up-to-date on changes within all the programs and how you might be impacted.

Summertime Feeding Programs for Children: There are various free meal programs available to kids in the summer time. Some include:

1. CPS Summer Meal Sites: Free meals are provided in-schools (those open for summer programs) and outdoors through CPS at designated locations for all children up to the age of 18. You can find such programs here. 

2. Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) Summer Program: Provides free breakfast and lunch at designated sites. The CHA website has information about where to find these meal sites.

3. Summer Food Service Program (SFSP): The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) administers this program that offers free meals at schools, parks, and community centers.

4. USDA Summer Meals Site Finder: The USDA Food and Nutrition Service website features a tool to search for Summer Food Service Program sites near you.

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   Local Lunchbox Program: This program partners local chefs with community organizations to provide free meals at various sites.

School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, and More: The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is responsible for various meal programs, including Illinois Free Breakfast/Lunch, School Nutrition Programs, Child and Adult Care Food, and Summer Food Service programs. You can learn more about all of these programs and more here. 

Top Box Foods: This Cook County, IL nonprofit works with local partners to source groceries and make them available to the community. You can view and shop their grocery items online, they’ll package them up and deliver to you at no cost. They accept Illinois Link (SNAP benefits) and when you shop using your Link card, they will match that order amount dollar-for-dollar and provide a code in your account to spend on future orders (like a coupon toward your next purchase!). If you’re able to volunteer and help this organization, you can learn more on their website about how to get involved.

Imperfect Foods: Formerly Imperfect Produce, this company has expanded to offer a multitude of farmer's market quality foods at grocery-store prices. In addition to produce, you can shop weekly for various groceries to meet your meal and snack needs. They focus on reducing food waste and the environmental impact of the food system, so they are thoughtful in every step of the work they do, down to: giving a second chance to foods with “cosmetic quirks”, foods of irregular size, or surplus foods; using 100% recycled boxes for delivery; and mindfully planning deliveries within neighborhoods to reduce driving time and CO2 emissions. While the produce they offer may have imperfections, their other grocery items do not, though are still affordable and sustainably sourced.

Too Good to Go: This is an app created by a social impact company determined to reduce food waste and offer high quality food at reduced prices. They help connect users to surplus food that can be rescued from going to waste. This helps the user get great food at a low cost, helps the local cafe/restaurant/store/bakery, and helps the environment by reducing food waste. Once on the app, users can view local food businesses and see what they have to offer that’s leftover from the day and still perfectly good to enjoy. The foods are often available half-off (or more!) of the original price. You can even opt for a Surprise Bag where a business nearby will curate a goodie bag for you to pick up. You can discover what delicious items they’ve chosen when you go claim it!

Flashfood: This is an app partnered with Meijer grocery retailers in Illinois and allows customers to browse and shop for items available at nearby locations that are discounted. The items typically are nearing their sell-by date and are offered at discounted prices. Shoppers can make their selections and then head to the store to pick up their order. SNAP benefits are accepted for eligible items using the Flashfood app, making food even more accessible. You can download the app on the Flashfood website, find a Meijer store near you, and get shopping!

Access to food can be very challenging at times, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to go or what to do. We are also aware that some of these benefits have changed over time, and are subject to change in the future. We hope this helps point you or someone you know in the direction of support, and know that we are here as well to help however we can with your nutrition needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Written by Sarita Aguirre, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS-C