Have you fallen on tough times? You're not alone. Our food pantry is here for you. Here's what you need to know: Our pantry is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month (except on holiday weekends, in which case the pantry is open the second Sunday of the month). All you need is some form of identification or a bill. Our selection varies, but usually includes canned items, breads, non-perishables, meats, and occasionally fresh produce. We also usually have various toiletries and infant diapers. There are two main options for accessing our pantry: OPTION ONE: Following our 11:00 am Sunday service we open the pantry for anyone who was in attendance. This is a great way to avoid the lines and get access to the largest selection. OPTION TWO: On that same Sunday between 1:00-3:00 pm the pantry is open to community. When the pantry is open find your way to the line. As soon as possible, you will be asked to fill out a brief form (if this is your first visit) or initial your form (if you hahve been here before). You will receive a number which reserves your spot in line. Once you have a number you can have a seat and relax in our seating area. Help yourself to drinks and refreshments. When your number is called, one of our volunteers will greet you and walk with you through the pantry. You can then pick from our selection whatever you want to fill your bags with. Once through the main pantry room, you will be led to a table with a selection of meats for you can choose from. If you need assistance carrying all your food to the car, we will have volunteers available to cart or carry your groceries outside. If at any point you would like someone to talk or pray with, just let one of our volunteers know. We are here because we care and want to help in any way we can.
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 (630) 739-5411 to book your appointment.
Address :
314 E Briarcliff Rd,
Bolingbrook, IL 60440.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Bolingbrook
Help Residents of Counties:
- Will
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (630) 739-5411 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
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.