Marillac Food Pantry

Marillac's Food Pantry serves individuals and families on the West Side of Chicago by providing food, nutrition and health education, and connection to a variety of other needed resources. Marillac House Food Pantry is a member agency of the Greater Chicago Food Depository's network of 650 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. In 2011, Marillac received recognition from GCFD for demonstrating best practices in serving our clients. Our service area is considered a "food desert" - meaning there is a significant lack of access to healthy, affordable food - especially fresh produce. According to a 2011 Greater Chicago Food Depository study, there are over 50,000 food insecure residents living in the communities we serve. The poverty rate averages over 30%, and in East Garfield Park and North Lawndale, it is 43%. As these statistics clearly demonstrate, there is a critical need for food assistance programs in these communities. In the past two years, there have been food pantries closing in our area, as well as other pantries further limiting their service boundaries. Consequently, Marillac's food pantry continues to serve more families every month. Marillac served an average of 500 families per month in 2010. In 2012, Marillac's food pantry has served over 1,000 families each month. A record-breaking 1,357 families were served in October 2012. Our pantry is Client Choice, meaning that clients are able to pick out food that best fits their families' needs, rather than receiving a pre-packed bag of groceries. Client Choice empowers clients to make nutrition and health decisions for themselves and their families. It also promotes a welcoming and respectful environment in which clients access needed services. We offer a variety of healthy options including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and bread.