Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. If money for food is tight right now, I'm really glad you're here. Nobody should have to choose between rent and groceries, and there is real help in Illinois for exactly this.
Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and say "I need food today." Then use this guide to line up the longer term help, like SNAP and WIC, so next month is easier.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise food, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
If you need to eat today, here is the quickest path. Food banks don't usually hand out food themselves.
They supply local pantries, soup kitchens and mobile markets, and their websites have maps to find the one closest to you.
How to find food today, step by step
- Dial 211 and say your city or ZIP code and "I need food today." Outside Cook County, you can also text your ZIP code to 898211.
- Ask for the closest food pantry or hot meal that's open today, and the hours.
- Or use the Find Food IL map from University of Illinois Extension. Enter your ZIP code or city to see no cost food and meals near you.
- Ask what to bring. Some pantries ask for an ID or proof of address, and many don't.
- Bring bags or a box if you can, and plan for a wait.
- If you can't get there, ask 211 about delivery or mobile markets near you.
Sources: https://www.211illinois.org/ and https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/
What to say when you call
"Hi. I need food for [number] people today. I'm near [your city or ZIP]."
"Is there a pantry or a hot meal open today? What time?"
"Do I need to bring anything, like an ID?"
"I don't have a way to cook." Say so, and ask about ready to eat food.
Bring your own bags
A couple of sturdy bags or a small box makes carrying food home so much easier. A cooler bag is great for anything cold. Easy peasy!
How do I apply for SNAP in Illinois?
SNAP (food stamps) helps pay for groceries. In Illinois, the Department of Human Services (IDHS) runs it, and benefits go on an Illinois Link card each month.
Applying is always at no cost, and you don't need to know if you qualify before you apply. IDHS says the amount you get depends mostly on your income, your expenses and how many people live and eat together.
- Online at ABE, https://abe.illinois.gov/ You can apply for SNAP, cash help and medical help in one place.
- By phone through the IDHS Help Line at 1.800.843.6154 (TTY 1.866.324.5553), or in person at a Family Community Resource Center.
- Want help applying? The Greater Chicago Food Depository helps by phone at 773.247.3663, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. The Northern Illinois Food Bank SNAP Help Line is 844.600.7627, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank explains the usual steps: after you apply, IDHS sends a notice within 14 days with your interview date and time. After the interview, you get a letter within 30 days. In some cases of urgent need, benefits may come within 7 days.
SNAP can buy food for the household, and seeds and plants that grow food. It can't buy hot or ready to eat foods, vitamins or medicines, pet food, alcohol, tobacco, household supplies, menstrual products or diapers.
Sources: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30357 and https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/get-help/benefits-outreach/ and https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/ and https://www.eifoodbank.org/help/snapbenefits.html
Say your new Link card just came in the mail
IDHS says you can pick your first PIN by calling the number on the back of your card, 1.800.678.5465, or on the ebtEDGE website or app. The ebtEDGE app is the only approved app for the Illinois Link card.
In the app, you can freeze your card when you're not shopping, block out of state and internet purchases, and check your balance. IDHS also suggests changing your PIN before your benefits come each month.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=35280
Before you apply for SNAP, gather what you can
Applying for SNAP is never a bother and it's never a handout. It's there for exactly this season of life, my friend.
From the Bunklow team
What is WIC, and who can get it?
WIC is for families with little ones. It gives a WIC EBT card for healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, beans and peanut butter, plus nutrition and breastfeeding help.
IDHS says you may qualify if you:
- Are pregnant or recently had a baby.
- Had a miscarriage or stillbirth in the last 6 months.
- Have a baby or child under 5, including foster children.
- Meet the income guidelines. For July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, a family of 3 can earn up to $4,212 a month, and a family of 4 up to $5,088.
Sources: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31907 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=147345
What WIC may ask you to bring
How do I find WIC near me?
- Use the IDHS Office Locator to find your local WIC office, then call to make an appointment.
- Ask what papers to bring. At your appointment, WIC staff check whether you and your family qualify.
- Need help? Call the State WIC Office at 844.901.0962.
- Once you're on WIC, the no cost BNFT app helps you find WIC approved foods at the store.
Sources: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31907 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=147346
Here is an easy one
If you're expecting or have a baby, call WIC before your appointment and ask what to bring. One quick call can save you a second trip.
What other food help is out there?
- Kids and older adults. See the next two questions for school meals, SUN Bucks and senior programs.
- Hot meals. Many churches, missions and day centers serve no cost meals. The Greater Chicago Food Depository map lets you filter for meal programs and sites open today in Chicago and Cook County.
- Mobile markets. The Northern Illinois Food Bank says its Mobile Markets bring no cost groceries to communities each week, and everyone is welcome. No ID, proof of income or referral is needed.
- SNAP and food pantries go together. Getting SNAP doesn't stop you from visiting a pantry or soup kitchen.
Sources: https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/ and https://solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources/
How can my kids get food at school and over the summer?
- School meals. Ask your child's school office for a at no cost and reduced price meal application, and ask if the whole school serves no cost meals.
- SUN Bucks (Summer EBT). IDHS says Summer EBT gives a one time benefit of $120 for each eligible school aged child to buy groceries while school is out.
- Most kids get it automatically, like children ages 6 to 17 whose family gets SNAP, cash help or Medicaid with income at or below 185 percent of poverty, or children approved at no cost or reduced price school lunch.
- There are no citizenship requirements, and IDHS says Summer EBT is not counted under the public charge rule.
- Applications sent after August 14, 2026 are considered for Summer EBT 2027. Use the Summer EBT Screener at ABE to see if you need to apply, or call the Summer EBT hotline at 1.833.621.0737.
- Summer meal sites. Children of all ages can also get no cost meals at summer meal sites. The Find Food IL map has a School and Summer Meal Sites filter.
Sources: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=163478 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=164949 and https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/
Check your address
IDHS can't send Summer EBT benefits without a good mailing address on file. If you've moved, update it through the Summer EBT Screener or the hotline. You've got this!
What food help is there for older adults?
As of October 17, 2026, the Illinois Department on Aging lists these programs for people 60 and older:
- Meals delivered to your home. Volunteers bring meals to older adults at home.
- Group meals. Meals are served through the week at about 400 sites, like senior centers, churches and senior housing.
- To sign up for either one, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or call the Senior HelpLine at 1.800.252.8966 (711 TRS).
- Senior Farmers Market checks. Checks for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets in 37 counties. The season runs July 10 to October 31. In Chicago, the Greater Chicago Food Depository hands them out.
- Senior food boxes. In Chicago and Cook County, the Food Depository offers no cost monthly boxes of groceries for people 60 and older who meet income guidelines.
- SNAP. Older adults can get SNAP too, and IDHS uses a higher income limit for households with someone 60 or older or with a disability.
Sources: https://ilaging.illinois.gov/programs/nutrition/nutrition.html and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30521 and https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/get-help/food-assistance-for-seniors/ and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30357
Say your grandmother lives alone in Rockford
Say your grandmother is 72, lives alone in Winnebago County and has trouble getting to the store. You could call the Senior HelpLine at 1.800.252.8966 and ask about home delivered meals through her Area Agency on Aging.
You could also call the Northern Illinois Food Bank's Northwest Center in Rockford at 815.639.1257 to find a pantry near her, and help her apply for SNAP on ABE.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://ilaging.illinois.gov/programs/nutrition/nutrition.html and https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/
How do I make my food go further?
These are simple ideas, not rules. Use what fits.
- Plan a few meals around what the pantry gave you before you shop.
- Buy store brands and big bags of rice, beans and oats when you can.
- Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables count, and they last.
- If you don't have a kitchen, ask pantries for ready to eat items and pop top cans.
- The Find Food IL map also shows farmers markets and stores that take Link and WIC.
- Keep your Link card and PIN safe. Never share your PIN.
Say your family needs food for the week in Joliet
Say you have two kids and the fridge is almost empty. You could search the Northern Illinois Food Bank's pantry list, or call its South Suburban Center in Joliet at 815.846.1041, to find a pantry close to you. Check the Mobile Market calendar too.
The same day, you could apply for SNAP on ABE or with the Food Bank's SNAP Help Line at 844.600.7627. If your youngest is under 5, call the State WIC Office at 844.901.0962 to find your local WIC office.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/ and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31907
How do I use my Link card and keep it safe?
Your Illinois Link card looks and works like a debit card. If you get both SNAP and cash help, both go on the same card.
Here's what IDHS says.
Paying at the store
- Swipe or insert your card in the store's payment machine.
- Pick "EBT" or "Link."
- Enter your PIN yourself.
- Keep the receipt. It shows how much is left on your card.
Keep your benefits safe
A few more things that help:
- Stolen SNAP benefits can't be replaced anymore, IDHS says. That's why freezing your card matters so much.
- The Link Help Line and website can also change your address, check recent purchases and report a problem with a purchase.
Sources: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30371 and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=35280
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an ID to get food from a pantry?
It depends on the pantry. Many don't ask for anything, and Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Markets need no ID. Call ahead or ask 211.
Can I get SNAP if I don't have a home address?
You can still apply. Ask a Family Community Resource Center, a shelter or 211 how to get mail and your Link card while you don't have an address.
Does applying for SNAP cost anything?
No. Applying is always at no cost. Be careful of anyone who asks for money to help you apply.
Can I use SNAP for diapers or soap?
No. SNAP can't buy household supplies, diapers or menstrual products. Ask pantries and 211 about those, and see Guide 5.
I lost my Link card. What now?
Call the Illinois Link Help Line at 1.800.678.5465 right away to report it and order a replacement.
Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes, many families do. Ask about both when you apply.
Sources: https://solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources/ and https://www.eifoodbank.org/help/snapbenefits.html and https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=35280
You're taking care of your family
Asking for food help is a smart, strong thing to do. I'm proud of you for doing it, and I'm happy you're here!
Here is where to look near you. Every food bank below has a map or phone line to find a pantry close to home.
If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Illinois
Here are some places to start.
SNAP (Link card)
What it offers Monthly food benefits for people with low incomes. Apply online if the state system is up, on paper, or in person.
How to reach IDHS Help Line 1.800.843.6154 (TTY 1.866.324.5553). Apply in person at a Family Community Resource Center.
Source https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30357
Last checked October 17, 2026
Illinois WIC
What it offers Food and nutrition help for pregnant women, new mothers and young children. Find your local WIC office, make an appointment, and ask what to bring.
How to reach State WIC Office 844.901.0962. Office locator at dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12
Source https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=31907
Last checked October 17, 2026
Illinois 211 (outside Chicago and Cook County)
What it offers No cost help finding local services across Illinois. The call center is open 24 hours a day.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Search at search.211illinois.org
Source https://www.211illinois.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Find Food IL map
What it offers A statewide map from University of Illinois Extension of places offering no cost food or meals, plus stores and markets that take Link or WIC, and the nearest IDHS or WIC office.
How to reach Enter your ZIP code or city at https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/
Source https://eat-move-save.extension.illinois.edu/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Senior HelpLine, Illinois Department on Aging
What it offers Help for people 60 and older and their families, including home delivered meals, group meals and other services through local Area Agencies on Aging.
How to reach Call 1.800.252.8966 (711 TRS).
Source https://ilaging.illinois.gov/programs/nutrition/nutrition.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chicago and Cook County
Here are some places to start.
Greater Chicago Food Depository: Find Food
What it offers A map of food sites across Cook County. Search by address or ZIP and filter by hours and programs. No cost help applying for SNAP and Medicaid too.
How to reach Search the map at https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/ or call 773.247.3663.
Source https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food-2/
Last checked October 17, 2026
DFSS Community Service Centers
What it offers City centers in Chicago that help with food and other basic needs. Walk in Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
How to reach See Guide 5 for all six addresses and phones.
Source https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fss/provdrs/serv.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Greater Chicago Food Depository benefits help
What it offers No cost help applying for SNAP (Link) and Medicaid. Call to ask questions and get help sending your application, or ask for a call back or an appointment.
How to reach Call 773.247.3663, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Source https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/get-help/benefits-outreach/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Greater Chicago Food Depository support for older adults
What it offers No cost monthly food boxes for people 60 and older who meet income guidelines, Senior Farmers Market coupons for Chicago residents 60 and older, and help with benefits.
How to reach Find a food box site at https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/get-help/food-assistance-for-seniors/ or call 773.247.3663.
Source https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/get-help/food-assistance-for-seniors/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
DuPage County
Here are some places to start.
Northern Illinois Food Bank, West Suburban Center
What it offers The food bank for DuPage and 12 other northern Illinois counties. It works with over 900 pantries, mobile markets and soup kitchens, and lists them on its website.
How to reach Find a pantry at https://solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources/ or call 630.443.6910. 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva.
Source https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lake County
Here are some places to start.
Northern Illinois Food Bank, North Suburban Center
What it offers The Northern Illinois Food Bank serves Lake County. Its pantry list and weekly Mobile Market calendar can help you find food near you.
How to reach Find a pantry at https://solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources/ or call 847.336.3663. 13950 Business Center Drive, Lake Forest.
Source https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Will County
Here are some places to start.
Northern Illinois Food Bank, South Suburban Center
What it offers The Northern Illinois Food Bank serves Will County. Its pantry list and weekly Mobile Market calendar can help you find food near you.
How to reach Find a pantry at https://solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources/ or call 815.846.1041. 171 South Larkin Avenue, Joliet.
Source https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Kane County
Here are some places to start.
Northern Illinois Food Bank, West Suburban Center
What it offers The Northern Illinois Food Bank's main office is in Kane County. Use its pantry list and Mobile Market calendar to find food near you, or call its SNAP Help Line at 844.600.7627 for help applying.
How to reach Call 630.443.6910. 273 Dearborn Court, Geneva.
Source https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
McHenry County
Here are some places to start.
Northern Illinois Food Bank
What it offers The Northern Illinois Food Bank serves McHenry County. Use its pantry list and weekly Mobile Market calendar to find food near you.
How to reach Find a pantry at https://solvehungertoday.org/get-groceries-resources/ or call the main office at 630.443.6910.
Source https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Winnebago County
Here are some places to start.
Northern Illinois Food Bank, Northwest Center and Neighborhood Market
What it offers The Northern Illinois Food Bank serves Winnebago County. Its pantry list and weekly Mobile Market calendar can help you find food near you.
How to reach Call 815.639.1257. 1397 Sandy Hollow Road, Rockford.
Source https://solvehungertoday.org/snap-food-stamps/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Madison County
Here are some places to start.
St. Louis Area Foodbank
What it offers The regional food bank for southwestern Illinois, including Madison County. Its Pantry Locator shows pantries near your address or ZIP code. Most pantries need an appointment, so check first.
How to reach Search at https://stlfoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locations/ or call 314.292.6262.
Source https://stlfoodbank.org/about/counties/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
St. Clair County
Here are some places to start.
St. Louis Area Foodbank
What it offers The regional food bank for southwestern Illinois, including St. Clair County. Use the Pantry Locator, or check the event calendar for walk through and drive through food distributions.
How to reach Search at https://stlfoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locations/ or call 314.292.6262.
Source https://stlfoodbank.org/about/counties/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Champaign County
Here are some places to start.
Eastern Illinois Foodbank
What it offers The food bank for 21 counties, including Champaign County. It has a Food Finder, a Foodmobile schedule of no cost distributions, and SNAP information.
How to reach Call 217.328.3663. 2405 North Shore Drive, Urbana.
Source https://www.eifoodbank.org/help/mobile.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sangamon County
Here are some places to start.
Central Illinois Foodbank
What it offers Serves 140 partner agencies across 21 counties in central and southern Illinois, from Springfield.
How to reach Call 217.522.4022, Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. 1937 East Cook, Springfield.
Source https://www.centralilfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
211 food search
What it offers Search "food pantry" or "no cost meals" with your ZIP code.
How to reach search.211illinois.org or dial 211
Source https://www.211illinois.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
What to bring to a food pantry, if you can
My food plan for this week
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Food today and this week
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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