Blog Archives - My Pantry Express

Things to Know When Visiting a Food Pantry for the First Time

Ethan DeLong — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:21:39 +0000

Things to Know When Visiting a Food Pantry for the First Time

Between unemployment, rising prices, and other factors, the past few years have brought hardship to countless American families. From March through October 2020, Feeding America gave out 4.2 billion meals. This was a 60 percent increase in food pantry users during the pandemic, and almost 40 percent were first-time users.

Those who are visiting a food pantry for the first time may have concerns and be unsure of what to expect. Read on to understand how a food pantry helps those in need and some myths about using food pantries.

What’s A Food Pantry?

Food pantries are places where you can receive food donations and sometimes other items. They’re often in churches, community centers, or Salvation Army locations. All food pantries operate differently—some are open a few days a week, while others may only be open a few times a month.

In the past, many food pantries functioned like grocery stores. They would have shelves stocked with items that visitors could freely choose from. The items were free, but there were limits on the quantity of items you could take. During the pandemic, most food pantries switched to drive-through or pickup locations, and many are still operating this way.

This means that some food pantries may require advance signups or appointments, but some allow emergency food assistance every day. Before you visit a food pantry for the first time, you should call them or visit their website to check when they are open and whether you need to schedule an appointment or sign up in advance.

What to Expect at a Food Pantry

In recent times, many Americans have been facing food insecurity for the first time and may not be aware of where they can go for help. Fortunately, most communities have several different options for residents in need. A few of these options are food banks, food pantries, and government assistance. Food pantries are highly accessible locations that anyone can visit, and they’re judgment-free zones—they exist to make a positive impact in the community.

Here are some items you can expect to receive at a food pantry:

Pre-packaged foods
Fresh produce
Dairy
Frozen meats
Bread
Other dry goods
Non-food items

5 Common Food Pantry Myths

Myth #1: You have to be unemployed or your children must be receiving free or reduced lunch to be eligible for pantry services.

Fact: At the majority of food pantries, including My Pantry Express, eligibility is based on self-attested need. This means that you do not have to provide a referral or proof of income to receive food. At some food pantries, you may be asked to provide a form of identification or your address, or you may be asked how many people live in your household. It’s a good idea to call ahead to ask a food pantry about any eligibility or documentation requirements they may have.

Myth #2: You have to be eligible for SNAP (food stamps) in order to qualify for pantry services.

Fact: You do not need to qualify or be receiving other assistance in order to visit most food pantries. While the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) is based on your income level, the benefits often only cover the first two weeks of a family’s monthly food needs. You can use SNAP benefits and also visit a food pantry to make sure your monthly food needs are met.

Myth #3: You can only visit one food pantry each month.

Fact: While some food pantries restrict the number of times you can visit because of the volume of people in need and the quantity of food they have available, you are free to visit multiple pantries in one month.

Myth #4: Food pantries only provide pre-packaged boxes of canned goods and non-perishable foods.

Fact: Most food pantries provide both perishable and non-perishable foods, including dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, canned goods, dried goods, frozen meats, and more. Some pantries distribute food in a pre-paced form, but many allow visitors to choose the food they would like.

Myth #5: Food pantries only provide food.

Fact: While some pantries can only provide food because of space and staff limitations, many offer a variety of non-food products, including personal care items, paper products, and back-to-school supplies.

How To Start Your Online Food Pantry Order

At My Pantry Express, you can order groceries online for convenient pickup or delivery. Just visit our website, click shop now, and add the groceries you would like to your cart. Once you’re ready to checkout, find a pickup or delivery location near you. We serve Northern Illinois, including Dekalb, Kane, Lake, Will, Winnebago, Grundy, and Kankakee counties. For delivery, confirm that you live within 14 miles of one of our locations, and place your order three days in advance for an on-time delivery. If you want to pick up your order, choose a location near you and a time that works for you. When you arrive, your groceries will be bagged and ready to go. Whether you opt for pickup or delivery, our staff will just need to see your order confirmation number, which will appear on your screen after your order submission and in your email confirmation. Start your online free grocery order today.

The post Things to Know When Visiting a Food Pantry for the First Time appeared first on My Pantry Express.

A Complete Guide To Donating and Volunteering for Thanksgiving

Ethan DeLong — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:57:27 +0000

A Complete Guide To Donating and Volunteering for Thanksgiving

In a few weeks, families across America will come together to share a Thanksgiving meal. For many of us, we think of a grand feast with turkey, sides, and dessert. But, many people do not have the food they need to thrive, and this is especially challenging during the holidays.

You can help neighbors in your community enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this season by donating and volunteering. Here’s how to do it.

Where to Donate Food for Thanksgiving

Food should be donated to your local food pantry or food bank. Northern Illinois Food Bank works with over 900 food pantries, mobile food truck markets, and soup kitchens, including My Pantry Express.

Once you’ve located your local food pantry or food bank, you can find information about how, when, and where to drop off food. Food banks may also have specific requests for foods they need and foods they may not accept.

Thanksgiving Foods You Can Donate

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year for food banks. Healthy, non-perishable food items are always great to donate to food banks, but they are in even higher demand around the holidays.

Here are some Thanksgiving foods you can donate:

What to Avoid Donating for Thanksgiving

Because food banks need to ensure that all the food they provide is safe, they cannot accept Thanksgiving turkeys or leftovers from holiday meals. Instead, food banks work with restaurants, caterers, and manufacturers to gather and donate leftover food that is guaranteed to be fresh and safe for families in need. You may think that fresh produce is a good food to donate because it’s healthy, but it’s better to avoid donating highly perishable items. Food banks can work with farmers and corporate partners to help bring fresh produce to families before it goes bad. Other items to avoid donating are food nearing its expiration date and foods very high in fat or sugar.

How to Volunteer for Thanksgiving

To help distribute food to families in need during Thanksgiving, contact your local food pantry or food bank to learn how you can volunteer there. At My Pantry Express, we have 10 different locations with volunteer opportunities in Northern Illinois. Each of our food pick-up sites needs five to ten volunteers to greet neighbors, collect their orders from the truck, and load them into their cars. You can volunteer whatever free time you have—just one shift or one day—or you can choose to volunteer every week. There is no long-term commitment.

Benefits of Volunteering for Thanksgiving

Volunteers are essential in helping fight hunger in every community, and being a volunteer can have a positive impact on your own life.

Here are some top benefits of volunteering.

Making a Difference

Improving Your Own Health

Enjoying Quality Time

Gaining New Skills

Having Fun

Making a Difference

Improving Your Own Health

Enjoying Quality Time

Gaining New Skills

Having Fun

Help Alleviate Hunger This Holiday Season With My Pantry Express

My Pantry Express needs your help in getting food to those who need it this Thanksgiving season. If you want to get in the spirit of service, pick up a volunteer shift today, and contact us if you have any questions. In addition to volunteering, we also need donations of food to give as many people as possible the Thanksgiving dinner they deserve. Make a difference and donate today.

The post A Complete Guide To Donating and Volunteering for Thanksgiving appeared first on My Pantry Express.

The Effects of Hunger On Your Body

Ethan DeLong — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 22:29:44 +0000

Everything You Need to Know About Hunger and Your Health

We know that food and water are essential to life and that the effects of hunger can lead to very serious health consequences or even be fatal. But hunger can also damage your body before it becomes a life-or-death situation. We often picture bony frames and bulging stomachs when we think of hunger, but the truth is that hunger is not something we can always see with our eyes. Anyone with any body size can be facing hunger.

Read on to learn how hunger affects your physical and mental health, leads to malnutrition, and who is at risk for malnutrition.

How Does Hunger Affect Your Body?

If you are taking in fewer calories than you need to function, you are experiencing starvation. This can happen if food intake is severely restricted or if your body cannot properly digest food to absorb nutrients. When your body is continually deprived of calories, it will start to adjust to expend less energy than it usually does.

Over time, a severely restricted food intake can reduce your lifespan.

Additionally, being underweight, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5, is associated with malnutrition and a range of health conditions that can lower your life expectancy. These conditions include reduced immune system function, digestive conditions, and cancer.

When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, and glucose gives you energy. When you have not eaten for 24 hours and your glucose storage has been depleted, your body will begin to convert glycogen from your liver and muscles into glucose. If you go two days without food, both your glucose and glycogen are depleted, and your body will begin to break down muscle tissue to provide energy.

Effects of Hunger on the Body

To prevent excessive muscle loss, your body will start relying on fat stores to create ketones for energy, a process known as ketosis. Once all your fat stores have been metabolized, your body will revert back to breaking down muscle tissue for energy. If you reach this stage of starvation, you will start to experience severe adverse symptoms.

The effects of malnutrition may include:

Long-Term Effects of Hunger

People who have experienced starvation or a very restricted food intake may have long-term effects, including:

How Does Hunger Affect Your Mental Health?

Dealing with hunger can be very stressful. Constantly worrying about where your next meal will come from can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, mothers with school-aged children who face severe hunger are 56.2% more likely to have PTSD and 53.1% more likely to have severe depression. Facing hunger and caring for people who are facing hunger can have serious impacts on your mental health.

How Hunger is Related to the Risk of Chronic Diseases?

There is a connection between hunger and chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, according to the USDA. In fact, 58% of the households that receive food from the Feeding America network have one member with high blood pressure, and 33% have a member with diabetes.

The more you experience hunger and a restricted food intake, the more likely you are to experience negative effects on your mind and body.

The Relationship Between Hunger and Malnutrition

Hunger is the body’s signal that it needs food. Once you’ve eaten enough, the feeling of hunger goes away until your stomach is empty again. Chronic hunger and starvation over the long term can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition occurs when you lack the nutrients needed for proper health and development. You can be malnourished for a long or short period of time, and the condition can be mild or severe, or even fatal. People who are malnourished are also more likely to get sick. But even people who have enough to eat can experience malnutrition if they’re not eating foods that provide the right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

There are also diseases and conditions that can prevent people from digesting food and absorbing nutrients properly. For example, kids with cystic fibrosis have difficulty absorbing nutrients because the disease affects the pancreas, an organ that normally produces enzymes necessary for digestion. If you don’t get enough of a specific nutrient, you have a nutritional deficiency, a form of malnutrition. The most common nutritional deficiency in the world is iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia.

Who Is At Risk of Malnutrition?

All over the world, people who are poor or live in poverty-stricken areas are most at risk for hunger and malnutrition. In less developed countries, wars and natural disasters can also contribute to hunger and malnutrition by disrupting normal food production and distribution. Malnutrition affects people of all ages, but infants, children, and teens may suffer the most because many nutrients are critical for normal growth and development. Older people may develop malnutrition because of illnesses and other factors that lead to a poor appetite. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol can be malnourished or underweight because these substances interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol can be malnourished or underweight because these substances interfere with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Symptoms of malnutrition may include:

fatigue (tiredness) and low energy
dizziness
poor immune function
dry, scaly skin
swollen and bleeding gums
decaying teeth
slowed reaction times and trouble paying attention

underweight
poor growth
muscle weakness
bloated stomach
problems with organ function
problems learning
osteoporosis, or fragile bones that break easily

Find Food Assistance Near You

Anyone can face hunger and a lack of access to food, but there are resources available to help. My Pantry Express provides food assistance to seven counties in Northern Illinois. We strive to make food accessible to as many people as we can. If you are in need of food assistance, you can pick up free groceries at a location near you or have them delivered to your home. You can place your order online at a location and time that works for you.

The post The Effects of Hunger On Your Body appeared first on My Pantry Express.

How Do I Apply for Food Stamps in Illinois?

Ethan DeLong — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:23:20 +0000

How Do I Apply for Food Stamps in Illinois?

How Do Food Stamps Work in Illinois?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps, are benefits that can be used to buy food at approved locations. The benefits come from the federal government, but the program is run by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). SNAP or food stamps come in the form of money loaded onto an Illinois Link card. If you are in need of food assistance, read on to understand how to qualify for and apply for food stamps, and other FAQs about food stamps.

How Do I Qualify for Food Stamps?

To determine if you qualify for food stamps, your local SNAP office will consider the following eligibility requirements.

The first step is to see if your household income is below 130% of the poverty level. To do this, divide your annual net household income by the federal poverty level (FPL) for your household size, and then multiply that figure by 100. For example, the FPL for a household of three is $21,720. If your household of three makes $20,000 in annual net income, dividing that income by the FPL gives you 0.92. The result of multiplying this number by 100 is 92%, below 130%, so your household would be eligible for food stamps.

Eligibility for food stamps also depends on your assets such as checking, savings, and money market accounts. You must have less than $2,750 in assets – or less than $4,250 if a member of your household is disabled or age 60 or older – to be approved.

When considering your net household income, you are allowed to claim certain deductions that would be needed for household expenses other than food:

Earnings deduction equal to 20% of income
Dependent care deduction
Deduction for child support payments
Medical expense deduction, particularly for SNAP households with elderly and disabled members
Excess shelter deduction, meaning shelter expenses that equal more than half of your take-home pay, including electricity, water, home taxes and rent, etc.

In addition to income eligibility requirements, anyone from ages 18 to 59 who is not disabled must also meet work-related requirements, which may include:

Any able-bodied adult in your household without dependent care responsibilities must work for at least 20 hours per week to qualify for food stamps for more than three months in a 36-month period.

How Do I Apply for Food Stamps in Illinois?

Online

Paper Application

Local Office

Phone

Online

Paper Application

Local Office

Phone

What Happens Next?

The application process starts the day your local DHS office receives your signed application. You will be asked to come to the office for an interview or interview by phone if you are unable to come to the office. The DHS caseworker will tell you what you need.

You will be asked for documents such as:

Food Stamps FAQs

Can I use my food stamps in another state?

Illinois food stamps – in the form of an Illinois Link Card – can be used in all 50 states at most grocery stores and ATMs. Look for a sign that says the store accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

If my food stamps are ending, how long do I have to use my balance?

If you do not use your benefits to make a purchase or a cash withdrawal for one year, the benefits will no longer be available.

How much can I receive monthly in food stamps?

The maximum monthly amount you can receive for a one-person household is $281. Keep in mind that your monthly amount depends on your net income.

Find Free Groceries Online at My Pantry Express

My Pantry Express offers free groceries that can be picked up at and/or delivered from locations in six counties in Illinois. If you are in need of food assistance, you can place an order online today to pick up near you.

The post How Do I Apply for Food Stamps in Illinois? appeared first on My Pantry Express.

How Does a Mobile Food Pantry Work?

Ethan DeLong — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 15:36:48 +0000

How Does a Mobile Food Pantry Work?

Food pantries are responsible for delivering grocery items to people in need. However, you may be surprised to know that many food pantries are now going mobile. This means that instead of traveling to food pantries, food pantries will come straight to you. This new mobile food pantry system allows for an easier and more convenient way to deliver healthy, nutritious, and non-perishable food items to those in need. With that said, you might be wondering how a mobile food pantry works and whether or not you are eligible for the services a mobile food pantry provides.

Thankfully, this guide is here to answer all of your questions about mobile food pantries, so you will be well informed. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is a Mobile Food Pantry?

A mobile food pantry is a delivery truck that carries food to communities in need. Since these delivery trucks come to specific local areas, people will not have to travel long distances to pick up the food that they need, making it a much more convenient way to gain access to groceries.

Mobile food pantries are often run by non-profit organizations such as churches or community centers. Currently, over 60 food banks worldwide have implemented mobile food pantries as a method to combat world hunger.

Who Is Eligible for Free Food?

Everyone who is in need of groceries is eligible to visit a mobile food pantry. Therefore, you will not be asked to provide referrals or any information about your household income. With that said, you may be asked a few questions from volunteers working the mobile food pantry—such as the size of your household and the area in which you are located. It’s also important to have some form of government ID on hand in case you are asked to show identification. However, this is usually not a common request. If you do come from a large household and affording groceries has been an ongoing challenge, it’s important to communicate your needs to the staff working in the mobile food pantries. They may be able to help you more or refer you to other programs that could be even more beneficial to your individual needs.

How Do Mobile Food Pantries Actually Work?

Mobile food pantries are similar to farmer’s markets because after the food is delivered, it is put on display in an outdoor setting. This gives people the opportunity to pick and choose which grocery items they need. Often, you will have the option to obtain packaged groceries in bulk or individually choose the items you need. The unique thing about mobile food pantries is that people will not be limited to non-perishable canned goods like many regular food pantries. Instead, mobile food trucks often carry delicious and healthy fruits, veggies, produce, grains, and dairy to those in need. You may also find mobile food pantries that carry things like toiletries, paper towels, and other personal items. Mobile food pantries are often first-come, first-serve and last for around two hours. When everyone has received the groceries they need, the mobile food pantry will make sure to save all leftovers so no food goes to waste.

Where Can I Find a Mobile Food Pantry Near Me?

Mobile food pantries are most commonly delivered to places like churches, libraries, schools, community centers, and parks. If you’re looking for a mobile food pantry near you, there are many helpful online resources where you can search your zip code and locate one within the nearest vicinity of your home. Mobile food pantries operate on a schedule. Therefore, they could visit your community as much as once a week or as little as once a month. After finding a mobile food company in your area, it’s a good idea to keep their schedule on hand, so you will be aware of any future dates. Also, be sure to look out for flyers or newspaper and magazine announcements that may advertise mobile food pantries in your area.

Find a Mobile Food Pantry Near You

If you’re looking for a mobile food pantry near you, My Pantry Express has got you covered. Since 2019, our helpful volunteers have been dedicated to fighting world hunger by providing fresh and nutritious groceries to communities in 20 different sites all across Northern Illinois. We also provide an online food pantry shop where you can browse through our selection of healthy food items, beverages, and personal hygiene products. Simply visit our website and search your zip code or address to locate a mobile food pantry in your area. You can also choose to contact us today for any other questions or inquiries about our mobile food pantry and online grocery shopping services.

The post How Does a Mobile Food Pantry Work? appeared first on My Pantry Express.

Where Can I Donate Food Near Me?

Ethan DeLong — Thu, 04 May 2023 15:12:17 +0000

Where Can I Donate Food Near Me?

Food Insecurity in Illinois

Food insecurity has always been a problem in Illinois. However, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services, food insecurity has doubled for families due to the COVID-19 pandemic and tripled in families with children. That’s why it’s now more important than ever to take your part in ending food insecurity in Illinois.

Most Needed Food Donation Items

Food pantries will usually only accept dry or canned goods. This includes items like pasta, rice, canned beans, canned vegetables, canned fruits, canned soup, or any other non-perishable items. That said, food pantries also need items like fresh produce, meats, and dairy products. However, since these items are perishable, they cannot be donated like other items. That’s why food pantries like My Pantry Express greatly appreciate cash donations. This way we can use these funds to purchase healthy items from farmers and donors.

Where To Donate Food Near Me?

Northern Illinois Food Bank

Northern Illinois Food Bank is part of the national Feeding America network. They serve 250,000 nutritious meals a day to over 13 counties across Northern Illinois. With over 1,000 employees, Northern Illinois Food Bank goes above and beyond to feed neighbors in need.

Midwest Food Bank

Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based organization with a mission to decrease food insecurity. They have distributed approximately 36 million dollars in food to 2,050 non-profit organizations monthly. Midwest Food Bank also provides immediate disaster relief for those who are in need of food following a natural disaster.

Foodpantries.org

Foodpantries.org consists of food banks, non-profit organizations, and soup kitchens with the goal of decreasing world hunger. Their website allows people to access food pantries located across the United States.

WhyHunger

WhyHunger is an organization whose mission is to end world hunger and tackle economic, social, and environmental issues. They work at this goal by growing grassroots power, food justice, racial justice, community organizing, relationship building, movement building, and advocating for the rights of nutritious food.

FoodFinder

FoodFinder is a food pantry locator that allows people to find food near them. Over 500,000 people are connected through FoodFinder with 10,000 U.S. towns and cities served.

Greater Chicago Food Depository

The Greater Chicago Food Depository helps communities find free groceries or local food pantries in the Greater Chicago area. It also serves as a resource to provide food and medical benefits like SNAP and Medicaid to families and free diapers to those with children.

Alternative Options to Donate Food

Little Free Pantries

Food Not Bombs

Freedges

Little Free Pantries

Food Not Bombs

Freedges

Other Resources to Donate Food

Homeless Shelters Directory

The Homeless Shelters Directory gives people information about the homeless shelters in their area and how they can donate food or other items.

Swipe Out Hunger

Swipe Out Hunger is affiliated with colleges, with their ultimate goal to end student hunger. They work with over 550 campuses across the U.S.

Homeless Shelters Directory

The Homeless Shelters Directory gives people information about the homeless shelters in their area and how they can donate food or other items.

Where to Donate Fresh Garden Produce?

Fresh Food Connect is an organization that partners with gardeners through their Fresh Food Connect app. On this app, gardeners can donate fresh produce to those in need.

Ampleharvest.org is an online registry for gardeners to donate leftover crops. Over 8,040 food pantries are currently registered on AmpleHarvest today.

Donate to Northern Illinois Food Bank Today

If you’re ready to make a difference, you can start now by donating to Northern Illinois Food Bank. No matter how much you choose to donate, every dollar will be used to help your community. Take the first step and donate here today.

The post Where Can I Donate Food Near Me? appeared first on My Pantry Express.

How Food Banks and Food Pantries Get Their Food

Ethan DeLong — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:51:18 +0000

How Food Banks and Food Pantries Get Their Food

You likely know that food banks and food pantries are responsible for donating food to those in need. However, you may ask yourself where this food comes from in the first place.

Keep reading this article to learn the different ways food banks and food pantries get their food.

#1 Food Donations to Food Banks

Food donations of non-perishable items, such as canned goods, are one of the most popular forms of food bank and food pantry donations. Communities, schools, and churches often start these donations. When it comes to produce, food banks and pantries will also receive crops from farmers. Not only does this help the cause, but it helps prevent these crops from going to waste, as many farmers have an overabundance. Grocery stores and restaurants are also responsible for many food items that are donated, especially things like meat, baked goods, or dairy.

#2 Food Banks Purchase Food

When it comes to food items that are not donated as frequently, like perishables, food banks will often purchase the food that they deliver as part of their donations. That’s why many food banks encourage people to donate cash as opposed to physical donations. Not only does this provide people with food that complements a healthy lifestyle, but the cash can also be used towards the cost of picking up the food and transporting it to the communities that need it.

#3 Food Banks Receive Food From Federal Programs

Federal programs like the United States Department of Agriculture are hugely responsible for food bank donations in the United States. In fact, just this year, the USDA has received approximately $550 million in base funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

How Food Banks Work With Food Pantries

So, what is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry and how do the two work together? A food bank is a non-profit organization. Its job is to collect the food items donated by individuals and store them in a safe place until they are ready to be delivered. Food pantries are in charge of delivering the food items straight to the people or communities of those who self-identify that they need services. Besides food, food pantries also deliver clothing and other personal items to those who need them.

How Can You Donate to a Food Bank or Food Pantry?

If you’re ready to make a donation to help those in need, you can easily do so here at Northern Illinois Food Bank. Visit our donate page and simply choose the amount you wish to donate. Every cent counts, so no matter how much you choose to donate, you are doing your part to help combat hunger. If you or someone you know needs our grocery services, be sure to place an order for pick up at My Pantry Express.

The post How Food Banks and Food Pantries Get Their Food appeared first on My Pantry Express.

How To Get Free Food With Limited Funds in IL

Ethan DeLong — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 18:01:54 +0000

How To Get Free Food When You Have Limited Funds in Illinois

People facing food insecurity may feel like they have no options, given their limited funds. However, there are many ways to secure the food you need. This blog will cover how to get free food with no money in Illinois.

Who Is at Risk for Food Insecurity

In Illinois, 1 in 12 people face hunger. It’s a disheartening statistic and a reality for so many. Oftentimes, families who struggle with food insecurity fall below the federal poverty line. The US Department of Agriculture reported that in 2021, 32.1 percent of households below the poverty line were food insecure. They also reported that Black and Hispanic households as well as single-parent households face higher food insecurity rates when compared to the national average.

How To Qualify for Free Groceries for Pickup vs. Delivery

One of the first things people ask when offered the opportunity to get free groceries is “How do I qualify?” Surprisingly to some, there are no qualifications for services like My Pantry Express. This program was created to help food-insecure households in Northern Illinois based on a self-identified need. In other words, you don’t have to prove that your family needs nutritious food. All you have to do is find a location near you, shop for groceries online, and pick them up on a predetermined date.

While all households facing insecurity are welcome to use My Pantry Express for free online grocery pickup, not everyone can choose delivery. Only some locations offer delivery, and you must live within a 10-mile radius of that location. Keep in mind, this doesn’t stop you from shopping online and placing an order for pickup. Food orders must be submitted online by 8 am, three business days before the pick-up date at the selected location.

Online vs. Offline

Some people may be surprised to learn that they can shop for free groceries online. But it’s true—you can use My Pantry Express to find fresh produce, meat, milk, and other items. It’s easy to use and conveniently online, so you can place an order using any device connected to the internet.

There are also plenty of food pantries that offer on-site shopping for free groceries. There’s likely one near you—click here to find one.

Food Pantries That Offer Online Orders

Wondering how to get free food with no money? Place an online order with My Pantry Express. We’re helping our neighbors in Northern Illinois find relief from food insecurity. If you need free online groceries, create an account and place an order with one of our locations.

Alternative Options

Coupons

Grow Your Food

Delivery Apps

Coupons

Grow Your Food

Delivery Apps

What Free Foods To Avoid

Unfortunately, not all free food is good for you. Many restaurants, bakeries, and similar establishments discard food they don’t use that day, even if it’s still good. But you should never eat food that’s been thrown away. For one, harmful bacteria live in those dumpsters and will contaminate the food. Secondly, that food may have been discarded for a reason. Other free food to avoid would be anything that was frozen or refrigerated. If they’re not kept cold or frozen, they could start thawing before you want them to. That means it’ll be even closer to spoiling and no longer safe to eat. Lastly, you should be cautious about accepting free food that was sealed but is now open. Safety seals are intended to preserve the quality of some foods and ensure it was not tampered with. When you need free food but are on limited funds, it’s often safer to just locate a food pantry near you.

Looking for a Food Pantry With Pick up and Delivery Options in Northern IL? Order Now!

Ready to schedule your pickup or delivery? It only takes a few minutes to place your order; all you have to do is find a location near you. Place your order by 8 AM at least three days before your location’s pick-up day. Show up with your order confirmation in hand. You’ll find the confirmation number on your screen after placing your order. You can also find it in your order confirmation email. Once you arrive, pull into the designated area and you’ll be taken care of. It’s that easy and free. Place your order today.

The post How To Get Free Food With Limited Funds in IL appeared first on My Pantry Express.

A Day in the Life of a Food Bank Volunteer

Ethan DeLong — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 21:31:36 +0000

A Day in the Life of a Food Bank Volunteer

Interested in volunteering at your local food bank but don’t know where to do so or how to get involved? Then you’ve come to the right place. Food banks are always looking for help, which means there are plenty of opportunities for you. Here are some of the things you can expect from your volunteering experience.

What Do Volunteers Do At a Food Bank in Illinois?

Have you ever wondered what volunteers do at food banks? Once you sign up to be a food bank or soup kitchen volunteer, you can expect to help with various tasks depending on what is needed. Serving so many people in the Northern Illinois community leaves plenty of work to get done. You could be part of the team that sorts food, delivers, distributes, or another similar key role. Each role gets us one step closer to fulfilling our neighbor’s needs.

Getting Started as a Food Bank Volunteer

Before you sign up for volunteering opportunities, you’ll need to pick a location and ensure you can fit the hours and role requirements. All of this information can be found here. As you’ll see, there are plenty of roles to be filled, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately see one you want to fulfill. At some points of the year, there may be more roles available. This is especially true near the end of the year. Once you’ve found a role, you’ll need to call that location to get started.

Volunteer Roles You Could Fill

As a volunteer, you could find yourself doing one of several roles. But no matter what you’re doing, we prioritize your health and safety at all times. We follow all CDC protocols and local guidance on sanitation and hygiene. This keeps our volunteers safe and ensures the food they come in contact with is safe for families.

Food Sorting

Distribution

Delivery

Community Service

Marketing

Fundraising

Food Sorting

Distribution

Delivery

Community Service

Marketing

Fundraising

Give Back to Your Community—Sign up to Volunteer

Ready to get involved in the Northern Illinois area as a food bank volunteer? There are so many ways you can help—and you don’t have to do it alone. Encourage friends and family to join you. Find a role that fits your schedule here.

The post A Day in the Life of a Food Bank Volunteer appeared first on My Pantry Express.

A Complete Guide for SNAP in Illinois

Ethan DeLong — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 22:52:39 +0000

A Complete Guide For SNAP In Illinois

1,052,040 people in Illinois face food insecurity. That’s 1 in 12 people. Government programs like SNAP—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—exist to help solve this issue. Not everyone is eligible to receive assistance. If you need SNAP assistance, you’re taking the right first step by learning more about the program.

What Is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?

SNAP provides eligible people with financial assistance to buy groceries. You may also know SNAP by its former name, ‘food stamps.’ Those who qualify will receive monthly funds through a benefits card. You can use these funds at various stores or farmer’s markets to buy groceries.

What Are SNAP Benefits?

Before receiving benefits, you would need to send in your application to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). They should reach out to you within a month. After conducting an interview and going through the eligibility process, SNAP will determine your benefits. Your exact benefits will depend on your income and the number of people in your family. A one-person household could expect anywhere between $120-$250 monthly.

What Can SNAP Buy?

The SNAP program allows you to buy groceries based on your nutritional needs and preferences. However, not all food or grocery items can be bought with SNAP program benefits. Click here to see a list of ineligible items.

Bread and Cereals

Fruits and Vegetables

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Meat, Fish, and Poultry

Edible Plants and Seeds

SNAP Requirements

While SNAP is accessible to those who need it, not everyone who applies is accepted into the program. In Illinois, SNAP has income limits. For example, a three-person household must make less than $29,939 before taxes to qualify. Want to know if you qualify for SNAP? Click here.

What Is The Difference Between Food Stamps And Food Banks?

Food stamps and food banks share a common goal—feeding those with food insecurity. However, there are differences in how they each accomplish it. One of the main differences is that food banks provide groceries, but food stamps provide funds (to buy groceries).

How To Apply For SNAP Online

There are multiple ways for those in need to apply for food stamps. One way is to locate your local public aid office to apply in person. You can also apply online at the State of Illinois’s website. If you need any assistance applying for food stamps, please contact the Northern Illinois Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach team. They can help you apply in person, over the phone, or they can mail you an application.

Call toll-free at 844-600-SNAP (7627). You can also email SNAP@northernilfoodbank.org to learn more. They are committed to serving people with dignity and helping them avoid long wait times and confusing rules.

Find A Food Pantry Near You In Northern IL

Low-income families who qualify for SNAP benefits still may not get their food needs filled. In those cases, it’s helpful to know where your local food pantries are. If you live in a Northern Illinois community, there’s likely a food pantry near you.

Even if you don’t qualify for SNAP benefits but are facing food insecurity, you are welcome to access food pantries. Organizations like My Pantry Express have helped thousands of people meet their needs. The best part is, you can shop and order free groceries online. Learn more about My Pantry Express today.

The post A Complete Guide for SNAP in Illinois appeared first on My Pantry Express.