Food Pantry Stores Running Low Throughout Chicago

On Wednesdays, the Harmony Food Pantry opens at 10:30am. But if you show up around 9am, you’ll see that there’s already a lengthy line forming in the alley behind Harmony Community Church. 

What’s behind these long lines, quite simply, is growing food insecurity. As prices of everything from food and gas to housing have risen, the vulnerable communities of our city have been hit the hardest, driving many to food pantries as they can’t afford to feed their families. Additionally, the COVID-era expanded SNAP benefits have expired, leaving many without a key form of support. 

The resulting food scarcity among food pantries was addressed in a recent Chicago Tribune article. This is a problem throughout the city.

To manage the increasing numbers and ensure we have enough food for everyone who comes through our doors, we have taken certain measures. We’ve restricted our drive-thru to people over 65, our service area includes five zip codes (60608, 60612, 60623, 60624 and 60632), and we’ve implemented a twice-per-month limit to how many times people can shop at the pantry. Even with those restrictions our supplies are still not sufficient.  

With money raised in our upcoming Gala, we hope to purchase a van so we can supplement our pantry’s inventory with healthy food surpluses from farmers markets, bakeries and grocery stores. Check out our need and the opportunity to help on our Gala Fund-A-Need page.