For Funders
We truly appreciate your interest in supporting the Pilsen Food Pantry. We know there are many incredible organizations doing important work, and we’re grateful you've taken the time to learn about ours.
At the Pilsen Food Pantry, our mission is twofold: to fight food insecurity and to reduce food waste by bridging critical gaps in social services that impact both individual and community wellness.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Chicago—even before the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 1 in 5 households faced hunger. In response, and thanks to the support of donors like you, we distributed over 1 million pounds of food in 2022 alone.
Your support helps us continue this essential work and build a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Primary Contact
Dr. Evelyn Figueroa
2124 S Ashland Ave
Chicago, IL 60608
figueroa@pilsenfoodpantry.com
773-812-3150
EIN
82-3588604
Food insecurity causes many negative social and health outcomes, ranging from school absenteeism to decreased academic performance and shortened life expectancy.
2022
1 million +
pounds of food distributed
18,421
pantry visits
2,648
meals distributed
1,103
food deliveries
2,444
mutual aid distributions
2,601
clothes closet visits
Pilsen Food Pantry Neighbor
“I am a psychiatrist and work with many patients who live in or near Pilsen. The Pilsen Food Pantry is an invaluable resource for our community.”
Our Community
Food insecurity is twice as common in Black and Brown communities which were hardest hit by COVID.
Families with children are more likely to experience food insecurity than households without them.
Our average household size is three people and most of them include children and single parents.
Pilsen Food Pantry Client
“I pick up for my grandchild and great grandchildren every month. It has helped this single mom so much.”
Households Served
Annual Budget
Although we target specific area codes, we serve anyone who needs emergency food services. Nearly 100% of our clients are from the South and West sides of Chicago.
Together, we can do more.
In the US, 30-40% of all food is discarded. Food waste is a top producer of greenhouse gasses. It is morally, economically, & environmentally irresponsible.
Each week, the Pilsen Food Pantry distributes over 24,000 pounds of food to an average of 360 households, plus more than 2000 pounds of food to fellow mutual aid organizations and street medicine groups.
More than a food pantry.
We acknowledge the intersection between social determinants such as food, clothing, housing, disability status, discrimination, and income. Over the years, we have steadily added additional social services beyond food.
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The Clothes Closet provides gently used clothes for anyone in need. While thrift shop pricing is available for general visitors, children’s clothing is always free. New socks and underwear are available for those experiencing homelessness and anyone living below the poverty line is able to get a free outfit and pair of shoes.
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A person with a disability is twice as likely to live in poverty. The Medical Access Closet (MAC) provides pro-bono physical therapy services and medical supplies for those unable to afford these services. MAC also provides supplies and food for Chicago Street Medicine, a medical access program for street-based people.
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We provide books for all ages through the Pilsen Little Library as well as school supplies and registration for head start programs.
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Traditions are important to us so we offer special distributions throughout the year centered around important moments like back-to-school season and the holidays. We also welcome the community to nominate children for Birthday Club, a program that distributes party supplies for kid’s birthdays.
Pilsen Food Pantry Staff
| Pantry Director | Volunteer |
| Pantry Manager | Full-time |
| Clothes Closet Manager | Full-time |
| Business Manager | Full-time |
| Registrar 1 | Part-time |
| Registrar 2 | Part-time |
| Pantry Aide 1 | Part-time |
| Pantry Aide 2 | Part-time |
Board Demographics
Gender
Ethnicity
15,600+
Volunteer Hours
We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our incredible volunteers. Together, they exceed over 300 volunteer hours a week!