Marillac Food Pantry of Chicago, Illinois

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(773) 826-3155

Marillac’s Food Pantry serves individuals and families on the West Side of Chicago by providing food, nutrition and health education, and connection to a variety of other needed resources. Marillac House Food Pantry is a member agency of the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s network of 650 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. In 2011, Marillac received recognition from GCFD for demonstrating best practices in serving our clients. Our service area is considered a “food desert” – meaning there is a significant lack of access to healthy, affordable food – especially fresh produce. According to a 2011 Greater Chicago Food Depository study, there are over 50,000 food insecure residents living in the communities we serve. The poverty rate averages over 30%, and in East Garfield Park and North Lawndale, it is 43%. As these statistics clearly demonstrate, there is a critical need for food assistance programs in these communities. In the past two years, there have been food pantries closing in our area, as well as other pantries further limiting their service boundaries. Consequently, Marillac’s food pantry continues to serve more families every month. Marillac served an average of 500 families per month in 2010. In 2012, Marillac’s food pantry has served over 1,000 families each month. A record-breaking 1,357 families were served in October 2012. Our pantry is Client Choice, meaning that clients are able to pick out food that best fits their families’ needs, rather than receiving a pre-packed bag of groceries. Client Choice empowers clients to make nutrition and health decisions for themselves and their families. It also promotes a welcoming and respectful environment in which clients access needed services. We offer a variety of healthy options including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and bread.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (773) 826-3155 to book your appointment.

Address :

2859 W Jackson,
Chicago, IL 60612.
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Hours Of Operations :

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Help Residents of Cities:

  • Chicago

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Cook

Appointments

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.

For the full set of services, you can call (773) 826-3155 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.

Food Pantry in Near By City

Food Pantry in Near By County

Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry

Show up early.

This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.

You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.

Remember all documentation.

Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.

This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.

It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.

Use several food banks.

Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.

For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.

Eligible for other programs?

Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.

They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

Ask about extras.

If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.

Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.

Go on different days of the week.

Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.

Be polite to workers.

Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.

FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.

2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?

Specifically, food banks often need items like:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned soup
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Canned beans
  • Canned stew
  • Canned fish

3. Who can go to food pantry?

At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.

4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?

A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.

5. How does a food pantry work?

Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.