Where to find food, utility and other help in Cook County

More than 1.4 million county residents struggle to put food on the table, figures from the Greater Chicago Food Depository show. That's more than a quarter of the population.

Advocates such as the Food Depository expect that number will grow as people shift their budgets to make up for the rising cost of living and federal cuts to SNAP.

But help is available from agencies and neighborhood groups.

Here are ways to find assistance if you need it.

We will be updating this list. Please check back for more.

UTILITY ASSISTANCE

Chicago and Cook County

CEDA LIHEAP program
The social services nonprofit offers assistance for renters and homeowners for electricity, gas and water bills, and for furnace, reconnection, payment plans and other help. They serve Chicago and the Cook County suburbs. Applications are open through Aug. 15, 2026, and are taken on a first-come, first-served  basis. To apply: call 1-833-711-0374 or visit CEDA’s site.

ComEd Low-Income Discount program
The new program offers income-based discounts to renters and homeowners who earn up to 300% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, that’s $99,000 a year. 

Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program
Those who don’t qualify for LIHEAP or PIPP can apply for a 5% bill discount and waivers of deposits and late payment fees. To qualify, a household income must be 80% or less of the Area Median Income — or $89,700 for a family of four in Cook County — 300% or less of the federal poverty level. That’s $99,000 a year for a family of four. Grants of up to $250 for past balances are also available for eligible households. The Nicor Sharing program, administered by The Salvation Army, offers grants up to $400 for households that qualify, including seniors and veterans.

PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan)
This permits utility customers in Cook County to create a payment plan at a fixed percentage of their income.  if they’re income-eligible. CEDA can help determine if you qualify. 

People's Gas Low-Income Discount program
Under this program, bills are discounted according to household income. Those who earn up to 300% of the federal poverty level — or $99,000 a year for a family of four — can qualify.

FOOD AND CLOTHING PANTRIES

To search by zip code in Chicago and Cook County, use the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s guide. 

In the suburbs:

Alicia's House, 17 Paulsen Ave., South Chicago Heights. Food pantry, Tuesdays 9-11 a.m. Service area: South Suburbs. 708-946-3002.

Bloom Township Food Pantry, 425 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Food pantry, Mondays 3-7 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Service area: Bloom Township. 708-543-2555. 

Calvary Assembly of God, 18620 Governors Highway, Flossmoor. Food pantry, Wednesdays 3-6 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon and Fridays 2-4 p.m. Open to residents of Chicago Heights, Flossmoor, Hazel Crest and Homewood, as well as unhoused individuals. Pantry visitors choose their own items. 708-957-0986.

Catholic Charities at Victory Christian International Ministry, 10 Hemlock St., Park Forest. Food pantry, Thursdays 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Service area: South Suburbs.

Community Outreach Program, 3440 Halsted Blvd., Steger. Food pantry, Saturdays 9-11 a.m. and Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. Soup kitchen, Tuesdays 5-7 p.m. (call to confirm hours). Service area: Beecher, Crete, South Chicago Heights and Steger; ZIP codes 60401, 60411, 60417 and 60475. 708-732-4504.

Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchison Ave., Flossmoor. Free micro-pantry located in the parking lot of the Community House. Open to all.

Hattie B. Williams Food Pantry, 5217 149th St., Oak Forest. Food pantry, Wednesdays 4-6 p.m., Thursdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Fridays 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Service area: South Suburbs. 708-927-4561.

Hazel Crest Community United Methodist Church, 17050 California Ave., Hazel Crest. Food pantry, Wednesdays 10 a.m.-noon. Service area: Country Club Hills, Flossmoor, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Markham and Robbins. 708-335-4500. hazelcrestumc.org.

Respond Now, 1439 Emerald Ave., Chicago Heights. Food pantry, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3:30 p.m. Service area: ZIP codes 60401, 60409, 60411, 60417, 60422, 60425, 60430, 60438, 60443, 60449, 60461, 60466, 60468, 60471, 60475, 60476, 60478 and 60484. 708-755-4357.

Restoration Ministries Pantry, 253 E. 159th St., Harvey. Food pantry, Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Service area: South Suburbs. 708-333-3370.

Rich Township Food Pantry, 22013 Governors Highway, Richton Park. Food pantry, Tuesdays 1-3 p.m. and Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m.-noon and 1-2:30 p.m. Must meet Emergency Food Program income eligibility guidelines. 708-748-6722. 

St. Paul Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 6201 Vollmer Road, Matteson. Food pantry, Saturdays 8:30-11 a.m. Open to all. 708-720-0880.

St. Vincent de Paul operates food pantries in Arlington Heights, Bridgeview, Chicago, Chicago Ridge, Evanston, Forest Park, Franklin Park, Northlake, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Palatine, Palos Hills, Schaumburg and Westchester.

Thornton Township Food Pantry, 5340 Page Ave., Harvey. Food pantry, Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. and Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Open to all. 708-596-6040. 

Note: Hours, locations and services are subject to change. Please call ahead of time.

WIC/NUTRITION SERVICES

Cook County
Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA)855-942-2332 or email wic@cedaorg.net. CEDA offers locations across the suburbs, accepts walk-ins, and can arrange evening, Saturday, and virtual appointments. 

Chicago
Call the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) 0r the Greater Chicago Food Depository at 312-747-9884 for the clinic, or 773-247-3663 for the Food Depository's eligibility assistance. You can check CEDA, too.

HEALTH CARE

Cook County

CareLink
This is a free program that helps Cook County residents cover the cost of care at any Cook County Health facility. It discounts the cost of the services, including primary care visits, specialty doctor visits, clinic visits, lab tests, hospital stays and emergency services.

Chicago
Community Health Clinics
These are centers that provide comprehensive primary and preventive care to everyone, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

NEED MORE HELP?

Cook County offers phone service that will connect you to the help you need. 
Call: 211