Services
As of January 1, 2012 Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry provides hunger relief, benefits counseling and nutritional counseling to eligible families living in 12 zip codes in Cook County. SERVICE AREA (green areas on map):
60130 Forest Park
60131 Franklin Park, Schiller Park
60171 River Grove
60176 Schiller Park
60301 Oak Park
60302 Oak Park
60303 Oak Park
60304 Oak Park
60305 River Forest
60402 Berwyn, Stickney
60644 Chicago (Austin)
60651 Chicago (Humboldt Park)
60707 Elmwood Park
Food Distribution
Families select their own food at Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry. Quantities are limited within categories depending upon availability. For instance, a family may select up to 4 cans of vegetables one month, but another month vegetables may be limited to 3 choices. Usually frozen meat, fresh vegetables, dairy products and bread are also available. Clients tell us the food lasts an average of 11 days. Of course that depends on the size of the family. Clients may receive food from Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry ONCE per month. Due to limited quantities of food, clients requesting food twice in one month cannot be served. 
All clients requesting food from the Food Pantry must provide a photo ID (driver’s licence, state ID, etc.) and proof of residence within our service boundaries if the address on the photo ID does not match current address (utility bill addressed to you, a letter from your landlord, etc.).
Individuals and families wishing to receive food must meet annual income guidelines set by the Illinois Emergency Food Assistance Program. Clients requesting food must sign a form stating that their family income does not exceed the following limits:
Family of 1: $1679 or less /month gross
Family of 2: $2268 or less /month gross
Family of 3: $2857 or less /month gross
Family of 4: $3446 or less /month gross
Family of 5: $4035 or less /month gross
Family of 6: $4623 or less /month gross
Family of 7: $5212 or less /month gross
Family of 8: $5801 or less/month gross
For each additional household member over 8, add $589
Benefits Counseling
Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry is now offering assistance to clients in applying for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or “Food Stamps”)benefits and other forms of public aid. A Benefits Counselor will be on site during regular distribution hours to assist clients individually. For an appointment, call Kyle at 708-386-1324, ext. 1106.
We are grateful to a grant from the Corporation for National Community Service for the AmeriCorps member staffing this position.