Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Greater Chicago Food Depository is Cook County’s food bank, based in a large warehouse at 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place on the Southwest Side. Food moves from the warehouse to partner pantries and distribution sites across the county. Volunteers do much of the hands-on work, sorting and repacking bulk food during sessions held Tuesday through Saturday. The food bank also places volunteers at community partner distribution sites, and families with young children can sign up for dedicated Saturday sessions.

What to know

• All volunteers must register online in advance; walk-ins are not accepted.
• Children 11 and older can join regular repack sessions with one adult per six to eight youth; volunteers 16 and older may come alone.
• Family Days are designed for children ages 5 to 10.
• Standard sessions take groups of up to 29; larger groups arrange dates through the food bank.
• More than 300 free parking spaces are available on a first-come basis.