Kids’ Programs

Kids’ clothes are always avail at the Mercadito Gratis, and we host a variety of events for kids throughout the year, including:

  • Back to School Block Party (August)

  • Halloween Boo Bash (October)

  • Holiday Toy Distribution (December)

For more information on upcoming kids’ programs, check out our events page or follow us on social media.

Pilsen Little Free Library

Having books in the home directly correlates to high school graduation rates, acceptance to college, and upward mobility. We give away over 100 books a week and welcome early childhood book donations during pantry operational hours.

Reading is an important life skill. Kids from impoverished households are significantly less likely to own books (1 book per 300 poor children vs. 13 books per child in a middle class home). By partnering with Open Books and our co-located WIC office, the Figueroa Wu Family Foundation has been offering children’s books since June 2019.

To support the Pilsen Free Little Library, please email info@pilsenfoodpantry.com.

Back to School Block Party

We host a Back to School Block Party every summer! In addition to providing school supplies, we also have fun activities like

  • face painting

  • balloon animals

  • snow cones

  • and more!

If you’d like to donate to the block party, please contact donations@pilsenfoodpantry.com.

Spring Movement Event

We hosted our two cycle distribution events in 2022 and 2023. Over 300 kids received bikes, trikes, and scooters plus balls and other sports equipment.

Inspired to partner up with us to create your own kids-centered event? Contact info@pilsenfoodpantry.com and let’s get started!

Holiday Toy Distribution

Pilsen Food Pantry distributes toys for the holidays every December! There is a limit of two items per household or 1 per child.

If you’d like to contribute to the toy drive, follow us on social media, and watch out for a call for donations in mid November or contact donations@pilsenfoodpantry.com.