Feeding Our Neighbors
“Mom, what’s for dinner?”
That’s a familiar question in homes across our city. But how would it feel if you had to tell your family you’ve run out of food?
Sadly, putting food on the table has become precarious for more and more people in our community. Due in part to the longest government shutdown in history, delayed and reduced SNAP benefits and federal employees who went without pay for weeks, food insecurity rapidly worsened at the end of 2025.
But when help doesn’t come, we help each other. That’s when our civic pride shines its brightest. We Chicagoans roll up our sleeves, volunteer, pitch in and show up for our neighbors. That is especially evident in our own Northwest Side communities.
Laine Kaehler, development and communications manager for Common Pantry, has witnessed firsthand how the crisis mushroomed. She and the team at the North Center organization are on a mission to address the root causes of food insecurity. Common Pantry, which has served the Northwest Side since 1967, provides a food pantry, hot meals, emergency food and other resources.
“Many people are worried about not being able to afford food. They’re scared about what’s happening,” Laine says. “Many are first-timers who’ve never been to a food pantry before and aren’t sure how it works.” Some have been SNAP recipients and federal employees. With a dwindling of resources and income streams, they have faced food insecurity for the first time.
While SNAP benefits have been restored, the effects of the pause due to the government shutdown will be long-lasting for many of our neighbors. How many will feel it?
At Common Pantry, they have seen the heightened crisis brewing for some time. In March, the Trump Administration slashed the The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) budget and enacted other cuts and freezes to programs that provide food to low-income individuals. That means the U.S. Department of Agriculture has had less food to distribute to food pantries.
Across the entire city of Chicago, approximately 600,000 residents (about 22% of the population) rely on SNAP benefits. And right here on the Northwest Side, more than 87,000 people rely on SNAP to keep their cupboards from becoming empty.
A Growing Problem
Common Pantry serves an average of 1,056 households, or about 3,000 people per month. Primarily participants live within 2 to 2 ½ miles of the location on Lincoln Avenue. They are seniors, working families and people taking care of other people. About 30% say they receive SNAP benefits, but Laine says that may be underreported since people worry that they’ll be turned away if they already receive assistance, which isn’t true.
One night not long ago, the staff and team of volunteers at Common Pantry faced a surge in demand that put them to the test. The pantry typically is open for distribution on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and maxes out at serving about 60 families. But on this evening, after serving an intense wave of people in need, they realized they had helped 90 families and it wasn’t even 6 o’clock yet.
On evenings like that, the team has found ways to pick up the pace and streamline for greater efficiency. They still serve every guest with dignity and respect. They’ve had to adapt to growing demand. Common Pantry has been bracing for the effects of federal cuts by establishing new food partnerships, in addition to adjusting programming to improve efficiencies. But the volunteer shifts get maxed out, too.
The last thing they ever want to do is turn people away. But that’s what happens when the food runs out. Common Pantry strives to provide the high-quality, nutrient-dense food everyone deserves. But it’s difficult to stay stocked with the basics, such as fresh produce, bread and eggs.
An Outpouring of Support
Amid the growing challenges, Laine is grateful to see the huge outpouring of support from the community. Even in normal times, demand rises 20% during the holidays, so help is appreciated now more than ever. The community plays a crucial role in helping Common Pantry continue its programming.
If you’re wondering how you can help, too, Laine has a few suggestions:
- Host a food drive. Rally friends, neighbors, people in your building and your book club and gather food to donate.
- Open your wallet. Every $1 donated equals three meals for someone in need.
- Donate at checkout. Common Pantry partners with Jewel grocery stores in Roscoe Village on Western and North Center on Lincoln.
- Participate in a Common Pantry fundraiser. Find joy while also doing good for your neighbors. Events center around, music, shopping and more.
You can download Common Pantry’s Wish List and a Food Drive Toolkit HERE
https://www.commonpantry.org/donations/
On a final note, Laine reminds us that while food insecurity is in the headlines right now, it is not a new issue. Unfortunately, it exists year-round.
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Chicago Food Sovereignty Coalition is a volunteer-driven group working to create a better food system, by linking mutual aid groups, organizations, businesses and individuals. Donate or get involved in your neighborhood's food justice and mutual aid efforts.
Find a food pantry near you.
Love Fridges are like Free Little Libraries, but for perishable food. Some have freezers, too. Everyone is welcome to take or leave food. If you are donating, please label what your contribution is and the date you are leaving it. Food portioned into individual sizes is always appreciated as are napkins and cutlery. Find the Love Fridge nearest to you.
Get involved in mutual aid efforts in your own neighborhood. Here are just a few Northwest Side resources. If you don't see yours, complete this form and you'll be directed to the one closest to you.
Humboldt Park Solidarity Network
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Coming soon: Wonder how SNAP recipients are feeling right now? Hear from some of our neighbors who rely on assistance to keep ther families fed. Story coming soon.
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Want to hear about more ways to help with food insecurity or find resources to put food on your family's table? Check back soon!
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