At the Common Pantry, we believe that ALL individuals deserve the right to good nutrition.
We strive to provide balanced, nutritious foods for all of our clients. The constraints of money and availability mean that our supply fluctuates in size and in content. Most weeks we are able to provide clients with a great variety of nonperishable goods, frozen meat, dry staples, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as lots of little extras. In addition, certain personal items, such as toothpaste and toilet paper, is available based on supply.
GCFD and USDA Commodities:
As a member agency of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, we are allocated a certain amount of USDA commodities based on the number of clients we see each month. This food can include rice, beans, canned fruit and vegetables, oats, soup, juice, canned meat, dry goods and frozen meat. In addition, we are able to purchase a limited amount of items from GCFD at a subsidized price.
Community Contributions:
The pantry supplements food received from GCFD by engaging with the community for additional food sources. Our shopping area is stocked primarily by individual donations. Some items are also used to provide a bit more food to larger families or housholds. Common Pantry also purchases items that are in high need and very low supply.
For families with young children:
Based on supplies, we provide diapers, food and formula for infants and young children.
Referral Services
For individuals or families living outside of our service boundaries, we are able to provide 1-2 bags of packed goods and referral information for the correct pantry for your area. Additional information on pantries outside of the pantry can be found on the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s website.
What we are unable to provide:
Because we do depend on donations and the availability of food and other products from GCFD, Common Pantry is not able to meet requests to stock specific items or specific brands for clients.
A few of the items that we do NOT carry at the pantry include clothing, furniture, and appliances. While we recognize that our clients may need such items, our size prohibits us from carrying them.
