Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating hunger across Cook County, Illinois. Established in 1979, GCFD serves as Chicago's primary food bank, distributing donated and purchased food through a network of over 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and community programs.

This extensive network ensures that more than 800,000 adults and children receive essential nourishment each year.

In the fiscal year 2016, GCFD distributed more than 70 million pounds of food, including nonperishable items, fresh produce, dairy products, and meat. This equated to providing over 160,000 meals daily.

Notably, over 90% of the organization's expenses in that year were allocated directly to food distribution programs, underscoring its commitment to efficiently addressing hunger.

GCFD Programs

GCFD's mission extends beyond food distribution to include initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of hunger. The organization offers various programs designed to support and empower individuals and communities:

• Chicago's Community Kitchens: A free, 14-week culinary training program for individuals facing employment barriers such as arrest records or lack of work history. The program prepares students for careers in the food service industry, boasting a 90% job placement rate.
• Pantry University: Established in 2004, this program provides training and educational workshops to member agencies. Topics include grant writing, budgeting, and volunteer management. Courses are offered at GCFD's facility and various community locations throughout Cook County.
• Producemobile: Launched in 2001, this initiative delivers fresh produce directly to individuals in areas where access to healthy food is limited. The Producemobile operates weekly to ensure communities receive nutritious options.
• Food Rescue: Since 1987, this program has recovered prepared and perishable foods that might otherwise be wasted. Donations from grocery stores, restaurants, and other food businesses are distributed to pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.
• Kids Cafe: A national initiative administered locally, partnering with after-school programs to provide hot meals, tutoring, and educational services to children. Since 1993, it has launched 44 Kids Cafes, serving more than 2,500 children daily.
• Older Adult Program: Formally launched in 2006, it delivers fresh produce to seniors at various housing complexes and locations in Cook County, addressing the needs of low-income older adults.

Locations

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is headquartered at 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, IL 60632.

The main facility is accessible via the Stevenson Expressway and is served by public transit, including the 53A (South Pulaski) bus and the Pulaski Orange Line station.

In addition to Chicago, GCFD operates a location in Berwyn, IL, USA, expanding its reach within Cook County to better serve the community.

Impact and Role

Through its comprehensive programs and extensive network, the Greater Chicago Food Depository plays a pivotal role in alleviating hunger and fostering community resilience throughout Cook County.