IN TIMES OF NEED, there is always somewhere to turn. With a record number of people filing for unemployment and rent due, many people are struggling to pay their bills and buy groceries. Here are some ways to stock up if your kitchen is bare and you’re not sure what to do.
FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Students, if you are experiencing food insecurity, please look for a pop-up pantry at your university.
Food Security Resources at University of Chicago
Pop-Up Pantry | Wellness Center | University of Illinois at Chicago
Student Food Pantry at DePaul University
FOR EVERYBODY, INCLUDING CPS STUDENTS
Greater Chicago Food Depository. It’s Chicago’s food bank that provides food for hungry people while striving to end hunger in our community. They have a map application. Enter an address, intersection, or ZIP code to find a food pantry, soup kitchen, mobile food distribution or shelter in Cook County. For the most precise results, use the full address. Use the filters to select specific kinds of programs. To access the map and locations, click HERE.
Chicago Public Schools. Since the temporary closure of the schools due to COVID-19, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has provided millions of grab-and-go meals to families. They are committed to providing meals during spring break and until CPS schools reopen. To find a CPS Go-and-Grab Meal Site click HERE.
Feeding America. The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through 200 food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States. To find a food pantry close to your home, click HERE.
StreetLight Chicago. This organization provides up-to-date information on Chicago-based food, housing, and health resources for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. To connect with an interactive map with food resources click HERE.
SHOPPING HOURS FOR VULNERABLE POPULATION
Whether you shop at Aldi, Jewel, Mariano’s or Trader Joe’s, they have established shopping hours for senior citizens and other vulnerable populations. To find out about each individual store special schedule, click HERE.
Get help by phone from Greater Chicago Food Depository staff with determining eligibility and applying for Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
In Chicago, public transit remains an essential service. To get information from the CTA about public transportation scheduling, frequency and alerts, click HERE.
—> Information curated by Dr. Edel Marie Jose and Suzanne McBride
—> Illustration by Elio Leturia
Icons by Eucalyp and Nikita Golubev/ flaticon.com
FULBRIGHT CHICAGO 