Emergency Food

We strive to provide balanced, nutritious food to all our clients. Our supply fluctuates week-to-week, but typically we are able to provide clients with a variety of non-perishable food, frozen meat, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables and some personal care items.

We serve individual adults and families that meet certain monthly income guidelines. Depending on supply, we have diapers, and sometimes food and formula for infants. For our homeless clients we offer ready-to-eat foods and prepared foods that do not require cooking. Common Pantry does not provide clothing, furniture or appliances, nor do we stock specific items or brands for clients.

We distribute pre-packaged, to-go groceries on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. We have full client choice grocery distribution on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. as well as on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Clients can come to the Pantry for food once per month. Photo IDs are required and must include a current address.

Clients can also choose to order their groceries online for pick up during our Tuesday grocery distribution from 4 to 6 p.m.. Only registered clients who have previously received groceries from us before are eligible to order their groceries ahead for pickup. Ordering groceries ahead for pick up will be counted as your monthly visit.

Our service area extends east-west from Ashland Avenue to Kimball Avenue and north-south from Lawrence Avenue to Diversey Parkway. We also serve all of Lathrop homes, including residents south of Diversey. Service boundaries suspended until further notice due to COVID-19. Any person within Cook County can come to our doors once a month.

After December 2024, we will no longer offer our Produce Day distribution. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is phasing this program out to strengthen already existing food access programs and support for the community. We will continue to provide fresh produce as a part of our emergency grocery distributions.

We offer delivery for those who cannot come to the pantry on their own. Once per month, volunteers pack bags and deliver food. To inquire about receiving this service, please call our program manager at (773) 327-0553.

Our home delivery service is currently at capacity. To join our waitlist you must live in our home delivery service area that extends east-west from Ashland Avenue to Kimball Avenue and north-south from Lawrence Avenue to Diversey Parkway.