How to help your neighbors
Ensuring all our neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive is a community-wide effort. If you are able to give your time, talent or resources – we value and need your partnership.
Volunteer Give Food Advocate for your Neighbors Start a Fundraiser
Get Groceries Near You
We work with over 900 food pantries, mobile food truck markets, and soup kitchens who distribute perishable and non perishable foods that you can choose from based on your dietary needs.
Find one near you
Donate!
Your financial gift supports food distributions and feeding opportunities across 13 counties within Northern Illinois.
Every $1 donated can provide $8 worth of groceries for a neighbor in need.
Donate
Assistance & Programs
| Program | Description | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP Benefits | Need help accessing this vital public program? We’re here to help. | Learn More |
| Child Nutrition Programs | Our Child Nutrition Programs, including the federal meal programs CACFP and SFSP, provide nutritious meals to kids after school and during the summer, and our BackPack Program gives food-filled backpacks for weekend meals. | Learn More |
Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2025 | Join the Northern Illinois Food Bank Team
October 12, 2025 | Grant Park
When you run the Chicago Marathon for Northern Illinois Food Bank, your miles mean more.
Why?
Because you’ll be fundraising for 570K neighbors facing hunger in Northern Illinois!
Sign up now and join a marathon team that makes a difference!
Perks of joining the Northern Illinois Food Bank Charity Marathon Team:
- Guaranteed entry into the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
- Choice of Team Athletic Singlet or Training T-Shirt
- Free Registration to the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Fight Hunger 5K in April
- Discount code for the Fight Hunger 5K event to share with friends and family
- Team Volunteering Opportunities & Meet-up
- Virtual Training Program with Coach Seth Kopf
- Race Day Charity Row Support and Cheer Squad
Other Upcoming Events
Stay Updated! Sign up to receive the latest news and updates on programs to help feed our neighbors in need and learn how you can get involved to help make sure no one goes hungry in Northern Illinois.
Neighbor Stories
Leah, a 21-year-old elementary education major at Northern Illinois University, has faced serious medical and financial challenges that make it hard to keep food on the table. She found help through the Huskie Food Pantry, one of Northern Illinois Food Bank’s partners, where she receives nutritious food that meets her dietary needs and occasional medical supplies.
“Without the pantry, I’d be in a tough spot,” Leah said. “They’ve helped me stay healthy and keep going in school.”
“God bless you. Thank you for everything you do. You may never fully understand the difference you make, but it’s life-changing.”
- Leah, Food Bank Neighbor
You Make an Impact
| $500,000 granted to aid network Members serving our Neighbors |
| 1.8 million meals provided through 2,800 SNAP (food stamps) applications |
| 2.7 million meals provided through My Pantry Express |
| 3.2 million meals distributed through Mobile Markets |
| 149,000 hours donated by volunteers |
| 39,000 free meals delivered to homes |
Help us solve hunger in your community. Every $1 Donated helps provide $8 of groceries.
Donate Today!
Volunteer
Volunteer at one of our Centers in Geneva, Rockford, Joliet, Lake Forest, or at a Mobile Market.
Learn More About Volunteering
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