Self Help Closet & Pantry of Des Plaines of Des Plaines, Illinois

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(847) 375-1443

In 1971, the Women’s Fellowship Circle of the First Congregational Church of Des Plaines established the Self Help Closet & Pantry, which offered food, clothing and small household items to Des Plaines’ needy. A small group of about 10 women operated the SHC&P in the church basement for several years. As the client base increased, the Pantry has moved its facility several times to the present location at 600 E. Algonquin Road. In 1987, the Pantry incorporated as an independent, not-for-profit organization. Today it is governed by a Board of Directors and has a volunteer staff of about 70 and one part-time employee serving as Executive Director. The Pantry serves an average of 1000 persons per month as compared to 800 per month in 2008. New clients are registered each Tuesday and Saturday. Local schools, churches, businesses, fraternal organizations, and individuals, as well as the city of Des Plaines, provide the majority of food and financial support to the Pantry. The Pantry’s trademark “Red Barrels” serve as a visual reminder of the Pantry and are to be found in about 50 locations around town. Donors can drop their non-perishable food items in these barrels where volunteers collect them for the Pantry.

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 (847) 375-1443 to book your appointment.

Address :

600 E Algonquin,
Des Plaines, IL 60016.
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Hours Of Operations :

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Help Residents of Cities:

  • Des Plaines

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 (847) 375-1443 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.