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—nearly 1 in 5 households faces hunger. In response, and thanks to the support of donors like you, we distributed over 1.8 million pounds of food in 2025.
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.
2025
1.83 million
pounds of food distributed to clients & mutual aid
25,646
pantry visits
2,510
meals distributed
7,113
food deliveries
29,970
pounds of food composted
15,680
Mercadito Gratis 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
Black and Brown households are twice as likely to be food insecure. At least 1 in 5 Chicago households is food insecure.
Families with children are more likely to experience food insecurity than households without them.
Our average household size is 3.1 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.”
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 gases. It is morally, economically, & environmentally irresponsible.
Each week, the Pilsen Food Pantry distributes over 33,000 pounds of food to an average of 630 households, plus more than 4000 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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El Mercadito Gratis provides gently used clothes for anyone in need. Clothing is always free, but persons interested in a pay-what-you-can model may use El Mercadito as a thrift store. Clients are able to take 8 articles of clothing and 1 pair of shoes each visit (clothing limits may vary based on current inventory).
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A person with a disability is twice as likely to live in poverty. The Medical Access Closet (MAC) provides medical supplies for those unable to afford these services. The MAC also provides supplies and food for Chicago Street Medicine, a medical access program for street-based people.
Please email info@pilsenfoodpantry.com for more information about this program.
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We provide books for all ages through the Pilsen Little Library and El Mercadito as well as school supplies and registration assistance 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.
Pilsen Food Pantry Staff
| Executive Director | Volunteer |
| Director of Operations | Full-time |
| Pantry Manager | Full-time |
| Pantry Driver | Full-time |
| Pantry Aide 1 | Full-time |
| Pantry Aide 2 | Part-time |
| Mercadito Gratis Manager | Part-time |
| Mercadito Aide | Part-time |
| Volunteer Coordinator | Part-time |
| Registration Lead | Part-time |
| Registrar 1 | Full-time |
| Registrar 2 | Part-time |
| Registrar 3 | Part-time |
Board Demographics
Gender
Ethnicity
14,500+
Volunteer Hours
We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our incredible volunteers. Together, they exceed over 250 volunteer hours a week!