CHICAGO (May 18, 2026)—Building on its longstanding commitment to addressing food insecurity across Chicago’s Northwest side communities, The Friendship Center has announced a new initiative to expand its popular Pet Food Pantry, growing it from a once-per-month service into a daily offering for area pet owners.
Since 1969, The Friendship Center has been serving the greater Northwest side of Chicago by fostering hope and dignity through access to food and vital resources. Located at 2711 W. Lawrence Ave., the center serves nearly 6,000 neighbors through pantry shopping, home delivery, the pet food pantry, hot meals to go, and 1:1 public benefits support.
The pet food pantry was started in 2013 by the late volunteer Dara Salk, who had a passion for ensuring that Chicago families and their pets would be able to stay together. As a once-a-month distribution held on the third Saturday, this program has skyrocketed in demand, distributing over 12,600 lbs of pet food in 2026 alone.
Beginning June 1, 2026, The Friendship Center will incorporate pet food and supplies into a regular pantry visit, eliminating the standalone once-a-month pet food distribution and increasing access for all.
“We believe every neighbor deserves dignity, care, and support. By providing food, pet food, baby products, and personal hygiene essentials, we strive to nourish the whole person and strengthen our community with compassion and hope.” says Executive Director Nadia J. Jimenez.
Jiménez adds that, “As one of the city’s only pet food pantries, we receive daily calls from neighbors in need of pet food—many requiring assistance before our once-monthly distribution. We hope to expand access so neighbors can receive pet food and supplies during both monthly pantry visits.”
The Friendship Center, part of the Greater Chicago Food Depository network, offers a client-choice model, allowing Cook County residents to shop for groceries that best suit their family from fresh produce, shelf-stable items, dairy products, meat, personal hygiene products, baby items, menstrual products, and now pet food. The pantry is open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12 pm – 4 pm and Tuesdays from 3 pm – 7 pm. Households can shop twice a month. First-time visitors do not need to provide an ID or proof of income, will be registered, and can shop during their first visit.
For more information about the pantry, check out this page.
To contribute to the pet food supplies, you can purchase from our Chewy wishlist or make a direct donation.