HUNTER’S NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: COMMON PANTRY

3744 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
www.commonpantry.org

Common Pantry has been serving the needs of community members within specific neighborhoods of the north side of Chicago since 1967. The pantry’s goal is to provide clients with nutritious food while also helping individuals combat the roots of hunger and food insecurity.

Operating for over five decades, Common Pantry provides assistance to local clients residing within the boundaries of Ashland to Kimball (east-west) and Lawrence to Diversey (north-south), including residents of Lathrop homes south of Diversey. Weekly distributions of emergency food can be obtained with valid ID on Wednesdays from 1-4pm and 6-8pm, as well as Thursdays from 1-4pm. Additionally, Common Pantry distributes fresh produce on every third Monday of each month (except January) from 10am-12pm, and is open to any Cook County resident.

The pantry’s client services program, Common Community, is open every Wednesday from 11am-4pm, and includes free lunch. During walk-in hours, clients receive assistance to connect with other local resources to gain independence and mitigate a wider range of needs that often contribute to food insecurity. For elderly clients who aren’t able to visit the pantry’s physical location, home service can also be arranged.

Common Pantry relies heavily on volunteers to run their programs and services. Opportunities for adults, corporate groups, and even families with children to serve lunch, distribute food, stock shelves, and connect clients with resources can be found online, with an easy signup portal to donate your time.

For the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Common Pantry has partnered with three north side Jewel Osco stores to provide families with holiday meals. A donation of $50 feeds a family of four, yet any amount is appreciated. To contribute, shop at Jewel Osco at Lincoln and Cullom, Roscoe and Western, or Clybourn and Wrightwood and request to donate to Common Pantry’s Holiday Meal Fund at checkout.

For more information about their emergency food program, community services, volunteer opportunities, and more ways to give, please visit Common Pantry’s website.