Each week our Mobile Markets are distributing free groceries to neighbors in Northern Illinois. Everyone who needs groceries is welcome – no ID, proof of income, or referral is needed.
Check out the food distribution calendar below to see if there is a distribution coming to your community. Mobile food pantries are listed in orange; pop-up markets are listed in green. Both distributions are currently using a drive-thru food pantry model. First come, first served while supplies last.
Printable August 2022 Calendar
The Food Bank invites anyone that needs a little extra help during this time to join us at our Pop-Up Markets. Eligibility is based on self-attested needs. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
You do not need to be receiving other assistance to visit our Pop-Up Markets. SNAP is an ‘entitlement program’ based on your income eligibility that is not capped at a particular number of participants. While SNAP is based on income, it often only covers the first two weeks of a family’s food needs. We encourage our neighbors in need to utilize SNAP and other community resources to ensure their needs are met.
If you need assistance in applying for SNAP, please reachout to our SNAP Team. Call us on our toll-free at 844-600-SNAP (7627) or email snap@northernilfoodbank.org.
No, our Pop-Up Markets are designed to make it safe and easy for our neighbors to receive food during this time. Just come to the pop-up in a vehicle, with some space for our staff to place the pre-packed boxes and bags of groceries. You do not need to bring your own boxes or bags, as the groceries will be already packed in bags and boxes for you.
You also do not have to bring any form of ID or documentation to “prove” your household’s need.
No. Neighbors attending will arrive in their vehicles and remain inside during the entire distribution. Staff and volunteers wearing gloves and masks will engage with neighbors through car windows, direct them through the distribution line, and place the groceries inside vehicle trunks or backseats – ensuring social distancing and the safety of all attending.
Yes. We know that there are many of our neighbors unable to go out in public at this time for a variety of reasons. If you are picking up for another family, please let our volunteers know how many households you are there to pick up for during the intake process
For more information about location-specific mobile food pantry dates, senior or veteran mobile pantry dates, please contact Erica Packer or call (630) 443-6910 ext. 264.
If you’d like to help the Food Bank provide more food to more people through programs like the Mobile Pantry, click here to make a donation, or more information about how to sponsor a Mobile Market distribution, please contact Erica Packer or call (630) 443-6910 ext. 264.
