Hunger continues to climb across the U.S., and Chicago is feeling the strain. The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that 13.5% of American households — about 18 million — experienced food insecurity in 2023. Local nonprofits say the need hasn’t eased, and they’re relying on volunteers more than ever to help families stay fed.
Chicago’s challenge and response
In the Chicago area, the pressure is clear. The Greater Chicago Food Depository supports more than 850 partner agencies across the region—including food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters—and reports ongoing high demand for groceries and fresh produce. Its 2025 Hunger Report shows that partner agencies served about 25% more visitors in 2024 than the year before, and pantry visits have climbed 48% since 2020, according to the Depository.
Volunteers remain central to that effort. From sorting donations in warehouses to helping with mobile food distributions, thousands of people across Chicago and its suburbs continue donating their time to help neighbors put food on the table.
Where to get involved
Across the city and suburbs, there are plenty of ways for families to help—whether that’s preparing meals, delivering groceries to seniors, rescuing surplus food from restaurants or stocking shelves at a neighborhood pantry.
Below is a list of current volunteer opportunities around the Chicago area, including one-time and ongoing options for individuals, families, and groups.
Meal Helper at Ronald McDonald House
– Organization: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
– Read more on website
Fight2Feed Chicago Seeking Saturdays Volunteers!
– Organization: Fight2Feed A Charitable Organization
– Read more on website
Chicago Volunteer Nonprofit Support Coordinator with LoveJustice
– Organization: LoveJustice
– Read more on website
Volunteers Needed to Rescue Food & Fight Hunger In Chicago!
– Organization: Rescuing Leftover Cuisine Inc
– Read more on website
Food & Hygiene Pantry Volunteer
– Organization: EZRA Multi-Service Center
– Read more on website
Political Affairs Internship
– Organization: The Borgen Project
– Read more on website
Hot Lunch at Providence Soup Kitchen
– Organization: Providence Soup Kitchen (Daughters of St. Mary of Providence)
– Read more on website
Nourishing Hope – Help distribute food at La Casa Norte’s Fresh Market!
– Organization: Nourishing Hope
– Read more on website
Greater Chicago Food Depository Pop-Up (Noon Shift, Various Locations)
– Organization: Greater Chicago Food Depository
– Read more on website
Food Pantry Volunteer
– Organization: Chatham-Avalon Ministries Inc.
– Read more on website
Share-A-Meal Event (SAM)
– Organization: The Boulevard: The Road to Health and Home
– Read more on website
Cook homemade meals for your neighbors in the Chicago area
– Organization: Lasagna Love
– Read more on website
Food pantry volunteers needed – all shifts
– Organization: The Friendship Center
– Read more on website
Rogers Park Food Pantry
– Organization: Care for Real
– Read more on website
Join our team of Home Delivered Meals Drivers!
– Organization: CJE SeniorLife
– Read more on website
Logistics Volunteer- Outreach Feed 6 – Chicago
– Organization: Hunger Free America
– Read more on website
Chicagoland – IL Food Rescue Opportunity
– Organization: Food Rescue US
– Read more on website
Food Distribution Volunteers
– Organization: St. Cyprian Food Pantry
– Read more on website
Food Pantry Volunteers in West Suburban Chicago
– Organization: Share Food Share Love Food Pantry
– Read more on website
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