We are committed to providing foods and services that nourish and sustain, through a dignified experience. We prioritize fresh produce and protein, and offer a variety of grocery items.
- Our walk-in Community Pantry is located in the lower level of First United Church of Oak Park. The entrance can be found in the rear of the building off of the parking lot on Kenilworth. If you require wheelchair assistance, please ask upon arrival. A volunteer will escort you to our wheelchair entrance.
- Our Drive-Thru is also located in the rear parking lot of First United Church of Oak Park, just off Kenilworth. Please look for the orange flags that mark the appropriate parking lot entrance. If arriving for our Drive-Thru you can choose from a variety of prepacked boxes: Standard, Latin Flavors, Diabetes-Friendly, Vegetarian, or Vegan, and an assortment of boxes that accommodate nut/wheat/or dairy allergies.
In order to verify who you are, and where you live, we ask that you bring two things every time you visit:
- A photo ID
- Proof of address in our service area
Check out this quick tour of grocery pick-up at Beyond Hunger.
For more information, see ‘What should I bring?’ or ‘FAQ’ below.
Follow @GoBeyondHunger across our social channels for up-to-date information about the Beyond Hunger events or pantry hours.
Office and Pantry Hours
Grocery Pick Up
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Our Pantry office will be closed on the following days:
- Thursday, November 28, 2024
- Tuesday, December 24 - Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (NO FOOD DISTRIBUTION)
- Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (NO FOOD DISTRIBUTION)
Our Home Delivery and Administrative offices will be closed on the following days:
- Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Friday, November 29, 2024
- Tuesday, December 24, 2024 - Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Office & Donation Hours
Office Hours:
- Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Donation Hours:
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
To drop off donations outside of normal hours or if you are dropping off a large donation, please contact Monnette to schedule a time.
Beyond Hunger's Main Office and Food Pantry are located in the lower level of First United Church of Oak Park. We are open to accept donations Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Our administrative offices are open M-F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301 (708) 386-1324
The church is on the NE corner of Lake and Kenilworth Streets, enter the parking lot on Kenilworth and go to the lower level.
More Information
Benefits Services
Our Benefits Services Team helps people apply for public benefits, including SNAP & RTA Ride Free Permits.
What should I bring?
Households may visit the Food Pantry once a month (calendar month). When you visit, please bring:
- A photo ID (driver's license, State ID, school ID, work ID...)
- Proof of residency in our Service Area
- See bottom of page for map of included zip codes.
- We require proof of residence in our service area, if your Photo ID does not have proof of address, you must bring a current utility bill, mortgage, lease, letter from landlord, or voter registration card.
If you don’t reside in our service area, contact the Greater Chicago Food Depository to find assistance programs in your community. For immediate help, contact 773-247-FOOD (3663).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time should I arrive to make sure I receive food?
As long as you arrive for our drive-thru or walk-up between the scheduled food distribution time (9:00 a.m. to Noon on Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays) you receive food.
What should I bring with me to Beyond Hunger?
Every time you visit, we ask that you bring a photo ID and proof of address in our service area: if your ID has this, that is all you need. But if it doesn’t, you’ll need to bring a secondary proof of address. We load your groceries right into your car trunk when you use the drive-thru, it is helpful to have space available in your car for two large boxes. If you are arriving for walk-up distribution we recommend bringing grocery cart or large suitcase to help transport groceries if you’re taking public transportation.
Do I need to show proof of income to receive food?
No, although you will have to sign a form verifying your income.
How long can I expect to wait to receive food?
Our drive-thru line is fairly fast, but depending on when you arrive and how busy we are, you may end up waiting 30 to 45 minutes before you complete the drive-thru process.
Is parking available?
Most participants who have cars can now easily drive through and do not need to worry about parking. Volunteers will direct you through the process as you arrive. Those who choose to use the walk-up can find street parking nearby, but be sure to carefully read the signs to make sure you’re allowed to park there.
What food can I expect to receive at the food pantry?
We will always provide a variety of fresh produce, meat, dairy, canned goods, and other pantry staples and breads. However, due to varying donations, we do not always have the same things. If you are in need of diapers, feminine hygiene products, or adult disposable underwear let our volunteers know upon check in. These are often available upon request.
What accommodations are available for people with disabilities?
For people with limited mobility that are not using our drive-thru, we serve clients individually using the church's accessible entrance on Kenilworth (opposite the parking lot). You will be able to use the wheel chair ramp to receive your groceries.
If I can’t visit Beyond Hunger myself, is there a way to receive Food?
If you are unable to visit Beyond Hunger yourself, a family member, friend, or neighbor can pick up groceries on your behalf via a proxy form. They will act as a ‘proxy’ for you, and shop on your behalf. To do this, you’ll need to send a copy (or photo on phone) of your ID and a completed proxy form with them. They can shop for you during normal distribution hours, following the regular procedures.
Download the proxy form in the drop-down below.
Where can I receive food if I’m not in Beyond Hunger’s service area?
You can find other food pantries that serve you by visiting Greater Chicago Food Depository’s website and entering your location.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
For additional questions, please contact our Pantry Programs Manager, (708) 386-1324 ext. 1114.
Are you open on holidays?
Sometimes our regular distribution day falls on or near a holiday. We are always open the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Please check our social media channels or our main page for any holiday closure notifications.
Proxy
Homebound individuals ("recipient") may be served by Proxy. The proxy is someone who picks up food on behalf of the recipient.
Proxy Requirements:
- The Proxy Form must be signed by the Recipient, Delivery Person, and Food Pantry Staff.
- Delivery Person must have a copy of Recipient's ID (photo on phone is OK).
- Delivery Person must have their ID.
- How to fill out the Proxy Form
Download the form below:
Additional Programs
Beyond the Food Pantry, we offer the following programs and services:
- Benefits Services: one-on-one help connecting to public benefits
- Cooking Classes & Store Tours: classes that focus on nutrition along with cooking and budgeting skills
- Summer Meals: providing kids with meals during the summer months
- Home Delivery: home delivered groceries to homebound seniors and disabled adults (By referral through Oak Park Township or Thresholds only)
External Resources
Click the underlined titles to proceed to other webpages:
HUB PORTAL https://healthconnectionhub.org/
Food Resources:
- Greater Chicago Food Depository | Find additional food pantries & soup kitchens
- https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food/
- Oak Park Farmers Market | Every Saturday May-October – SNAP is accepted and matched
- https://www.oak-park.us/our-community/oak-park-farmers-market
- Sugar Beet Co-op | Healthy groceries sourced directly from farmers – SNAP is accepted and matched
- http://sugarbeetcoop.squarespace.com/
- Farm on Ogden | Urban greenhouse and fresh produce market – SNAP is accepted
- https://lawndale.org/about/resources/farm-on-ogden
- Meals on Wheels | Home delivered meals for seniors and people with disabilities
- https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
Nutrition Resources:
- Budget Bytes | Affordable, easy (and tasty) recipes
https://www.budgetbytes.com/category/recipes/ - Cooking Light | Nutritious and delicious recipes to try at home
https://www.cookinglight.com/ - USDA Recipes | Yummy, low cost recipes
https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/recipes - USDA Build Your Own Cookbook | Build yourself a cookbook with USDA recipes
https://whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/cookbook - My Plate | Tips and ideas about healthy eating
https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ - American Diabetes Association | Assess your risk and learn more about living with diabetes
http://www.diabetes.org/ - American Heart Association | Learn more about heart healthy living and specific health topics
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living
Shelter and Homelessness Resources:
- PADS Shelter | Daily shelter in suburban Cook County for men and women from September – May
https://www.housingforward.org/get-help - Franciscan Outreach Shelter | Daily shelter and services in North Lawndale for men and women
https://franoutreach.org/safe-shelter/ - Deborah’s Place | Housing and counseling services for women experiencing homelessness
https://www.deborahsplace.org/ - Housing Forward | Housing assistance and daytime support center in suburban Cook County
https://www.housingforward.org - Breakthrough Urban Ministries | Housing assistance and daytime support center in Chicago
https://www.breakthrough.org/ - A Safe Haven | Housing and case management for individuals who are homeless
http://www.asafehaven.org/ - Thresholds | Housing and programs for individuals with mental illness
http://www.thresholds.org/our-work/services/
Housing
- Oak Park Housing Authority | Elderly & disabled housing in Oak Park
http://www.oakparkha.org/edh.html - Chicago Housing Authority | Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
https://www.thecha.org/
Employment and Business Resources:
- Illinois WorkNet | Online JobFinder and career guide
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/Jobs/Pages/IndeedJobSearch.aspx - Dress for Success | Trainings, career advancement and business attire to women searching for jobs
https://worldwidecentral.dressforsuccess.org/client-services/ - Small Business Improvement Fund | Remodeling grants for small business owners in Chicago
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/small_business_improvementfundsbif.html - JARC | Free manufacturing job training and placement services
https://www.jane-addams.org/job-seekers/job-training-programs/ - Housing Forward | Job readiness, resume development, job search assistance
https://www.housingforward.org/get-help/employment-readiness - CEDA | Job readiness and help with job placements
http://www.cedaorg.net/www2/Assets/FSACEUP2018/Employment2018.pdf - Breakthrough Urban Ministries | Job readiness program, includes education and job skill training
https://www.breakthrough.org/programs/job-readiness/
Healthcare and Mental Health Resources:
- NAMI Metro Suburban | Drop-In center, support & education to individuals/families with mental illness
https://www.namimetsub.org/homepage - Thrive Counseling Center | Counseling and psychiatric services
https://www.thrivecc.org/ - Pillars Community Health | Medical, dental, and behavioral health services – sliding scale fees
https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/ - Health Insurance Marketplace | Government health insurance enrollment
https://www.healthcare.gov/ - Access to Care | Primary Health Care program for suburban Cook County and Northwest Chicago
http://www.accesstocare.org/ - Oak Street Health | Primary care doctors for adults with Medicare
https://www.oakstreethealth.com/
Utility Assistance:
- Access from AT&T | Low-cost home internet to qualifying families
https://www.att.com/shop/internet/access/#!/#%2F - Assurance Wireless | Free cellphones to qualified individuals
https://www.assurancewireless.com/ - Prevail Emergency Assistance | Emergency financial assistance to address immediate crisis
https://www.housingforward.org/get-help/prevail-emergency-assistance - LIHEAP | Utility payment assistance programs
https://www.cedaorg.net/www2/Energy.html
Benefit Resources:
- BenefitsCheckUp | Search for all availalbe government benefits for older adults
https://www.benefitscheckup.org/ - Benefits.gov | Search all available government benefits
https://www.benefits.gov/ - ABE | Apply and manage DHS benefits online (SNAP, Medicaid, Cash, Medicare Savings)
https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/ - WIC | Supplemental nutrition program for pregnant women, infants and children up to age 5
https://www.womeninfantschildrenoffice.com/ - Oak Park Township | General assistance, case management, and programs for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities
http://www.oakparktownship.org/ - Benefit Access | License plate discount/RTA Ride Free permit eligibility for seniors/people with disabilities
https://webapps.illinois.gov/AGE/BAA/Welcome.aspx
Childcare and Parent Resources:
- New Moms | Parenting groups, doula services, and home visiting for new parents with young children
https://newmoms.org/ - Collaboration for Early Childhood | Parenting, home visiting and childcare resources
http://collab4kids.org/ - Child Care Assistance Program | Government assistance to pay for childcare
https://www.actforchildren.org/for-families/paying-for-child-care/
Community Event Resources:
- Chicago Public Library Events | Free local events
https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/search/index - Oak Park Public Library Events | Free local events
http://oppl.evanced.info/signup/Week?lib=0,1,2,7,1003 - Museums for All | Free/reduced price museum access with SNAP/Link Card
https://museums4all.org/
Domestic Violence Resources:
- Sarah’s Inn | Shelter and services for women experiencing domestic abuse
https://sarahsinn.org/ - Connections for Abused Women and their Children | Shelter and services for women experiencing domestic abuse
http://www.cawc.org/get-help-1
Legal Resources:
- Chicago Legal Clinic | Free/low cost legal services and legal advice
http://clclaw.org/programs/ - LAF | Free civil legal services for residents of Cook County
https://www.lafchicago.org/
SNAP Updates
Did your SNAP benefits recently go down?
Our Social Services team can check to see if you are maximizing your SNAP deductions so you can get the biggest benefit amount possible! We can be reached over the phone at 708-386-1324 extension 1106 to help you maximize your SNAP deductions today.
Special Diets
When arriving for our drive thru if you have special dietary needs let our volunteers know as you register. We have the following specialty boxes available: Latin Flavors, Diabetic Friendly, and Nut or Gluten free boxes.
Our Service Area
- 60130
- Forest Park
- 60131
- Franklin Park, Schiller Park
- 60141
- Hines
- 60171
- River Grove
- 60176
- Schiller Park
- 60301
- Oak Park
- 60302
- Oak Park
- 60304
- Oak Park
- 60305
- River Forest
- 60402
- Berwyn, Stickney
- 60644
- Chicago (Austin)
- 60651
- Chicago (Austin/Humboldt Park)
- 60707
- Elmwood Park, Chicago (Galewood)
If you don’t reside in our service area, contact the Greater Chicago Food Depository to find assistance programs in your community.
For immediate help, contact 773-247-FOOD (3663)