The Irving Park Community Food Pantry began as a response in the neighborhood to frequent requests for food. In the early 1970s Leila Duncan, a member of Irving Park United Methodist Church, purchased and delivered groceries personally to individuals and families in the area. We are proud of our history.

The Irving Park Community Food Pantry focuses on increasing community awareness of hunger related issues as well as feeding people at risk of hunger. We serve people regardless of religious, ethnic or political affiliation. The Pantry is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors.  A volunteer staff of 15-20 individuals assists with all phases of operation.  Our resources come from a variety of sources. The Pantry is open for food distribution every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  The Pantry's service area includes all of zip code 60641 and that portion of 60618 west of Kedzie Ave.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Holiday Closings

Please note that the Pantry will be closed for weekly distributions on the following Wednesdays:  November 26th, December 24th and December 31st.

Food Drives:  

Community Canvas & Food Drive:  Mt. Olive Evangelical Free Church will be organizing a community canvas and drive to benefit the Irving Park Community Food Pantry. Please volunteer to help. Volunteers are needed on Saturday November 15th and Sunday November 16th between the hours of 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm to distribute fliers in the neighborhood. Volunteers are also needed on Sunday November 23rd between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Mt. Olive is located at 3850 N Tripp in Chicago. For further information or to register on-line visit www.mtoliveEFCA.org.  This event is supported by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Community Food Drive:  Joe'E's...Unforgetable Lounge (November 1 - November 30, 2008) is collecting non-perishable food items for the Pantry. Every Wednesday and Saturday in November, bring in one non-perishable food item and receive your second drink free. Drop-off location:  4206 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641. Please call:  773-283-3422.

Community Food Drive: Community Savings Bank (November 1 - December 13, 2008). Drop off location: 4801 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60641. Please call:  773-685-5300.

Community Food Drive:  Chicago International Charter Schools - Irving Park (November 1 - November 30, 2008). Drop off location: 3820 N Spaulding, Chicago, IL 60618. Please call: 773-433-5015.

Community Food Drive:  Parkview Lutheran Church (November 1- November 30, 2008). Drop off location:  3919 N Monticello, Chicago, IL 60618. Please call 773-267-0072.

Community Food Drive:  Chicago Academy High School (November 1-November 24, 2008. Drop off location:  3400 N. Austin Ave., Chicago, IL 60634. Please call 773-534-0146.

Community Food Drive:  St. Edward's School Student Council (November 1 - November 25, 2008). Drop off location:  4343 W Sunnyside, Chicago, IL 60630. Please call 773-736-9133.

Community Food Drive:  St. Viator's Grade School (November 1 - November 21, 2008). Drop off location: 4140 W. Addision St,. Chicago, IL 60641. Please call 773-545-2173.

Community Food & Toy Drive:  UNITE Civic Organization (November - December, 2008).

Employee Food Drive:  Our Lady of the Resurrection Medical Center (December 1 - December 17, 2008). Drop off location: 5645 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60634. Please call 773-282-7000.

Toys, Toys, Toys!

We are collecting toys and games to be distributed to our clients during the Christmas Distribution. Help us to help the children of our clients. Please help us to make a difference in the lives of these children. A donation of items, cash or gift cards to Toys-R-Us or other major retailers will be used to purchase gifts.

Holiday Distribution

Our special Christmas Distribution will take place on Wednesday December 17th. Clients must have pre-registered and meet participation requirements for this special distribution.

Nutrition & Cooking Classes Offered at Pantry

The University of Illinois Extension Program offers free classes at the Pantry through February 11, 2009. Classes begin at 10:00 am. Learn how to prepare nutritious food at a low cost. Sample new recipes and receive the ingredients needed to prepare the recipe at home for your family.

Thanks, Girls!

A big thank you to Girls Scout Troop 1223-756, based at Independence Park. Their October Canvas & Food Drive collected 2,753 items and $478.00. 

Thanks, Jewel-Osco!

A big thank you to our local Jewel-Osco, located at 4660 W. Irving Park Road. They generously donated $1,000 to our Pantry and helped us to raise an additional $971 during their grand re-opening celebration in  October. In addition, Jewel-Osco generously donated 500 re-usable eco-friendly green bags! We are grateful for the support of Jewel-Osco. All proceeds will help us provide food to the growing numbers of clients seeking our help.