Friendship Center brings Chicago together to create stronger communities, fostering hope and dignity through food, resources, and meaningful connection.

Founded in 1969, the Friendship Center (FC) brings Chicago together to create stronger communities, fostering hope and dignity through food, resources, and meaningful connection. We serve 6,000 neighbors a month through our client-choice pantry, providing food and items for the whole family, including cats and dogs. Additionally, we provide support through home deliveries, hot meals, and 1:1 assistance with community resources. There are no income or residential requirements to participate in Friendship Center’s programs. We’re in this together to make a stronger Chicago.

FC provides immediate and long-term assistance to those at risk of being food insecure by offering shopping at our pantry four days per week, assisting with SNAP and Medicaid applications, and making referrals to our community nonprofit and healthcare partners. With our network of partners, we can connect folks with diverse food options, job training, counseling, legal advice, and health coverage to assist our neighbors in overcoming other challenges they may be facing.

We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving all people equally regardless of religious affiliation, race, ethnicity, or gender orientation. Your donations are tax deductible.

We are a proud partner of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and part of the larger Feeding America network of hunger relief organizations.