Hunger touches every neighborhood, but some communities face greater barriers

November 9, 2026

A new report from the Greater Chicago Food Depository offers a sobering picture of hunger in our city. The 2026 Hunger in Chicago report found that 36% of Chicago households lack consistent access to enough food, with households with children and Black and Hispanic households disproportionately affected.

The findings reinforce the importance of making groceries accessible in ways that fit people’s lives, a priority that guides Nourishing Hope’s work across Chicago.

Our Online Market allows neighbors to choose groceries online and pick them up at over 20 community locations across the city. Our goal is to help working families and others who cannot wait in line at a traditional pantry. Through the second quarter of our 2027 fiscal year, Online Market orders increased 26% compared with the same period last year.

For older adults and neighbors with limited mobility, access can mean having groceries delivered to their door. Our Home Delivery program completed 30% more orders through the second quarter than during the same period last year.

The families behind the numbers

The report found that 70% of food-insecure households had delayed, reduced or skipped a payment on another necessity in the past month to afford food. Behind that statistic are families navigating difficult choices every day.

Martha, a Logan Square mother of five, works as a cleaner, dishwasher and cook at the same restaurant. Her husband works as a busboy. Even with both parents working, covering rent and basic expenses remains a struggle.

For 15 years, Martha has turned to Nourishing Hope’s Sheridan Market for support. Access to groceries and other essentials helps her stretch the family budget. Just as meaningful is how she feels when she visits: welcomed and respected.

Her experience brings the report’s findings into focus. Having a job does not always mean a family can afford everything it needs.

“Having a job does not always mean a family can afford everything it needs.”

Food support opens the door to additional care

The report’s findings underscore the financial pressures families face, and why access to food is only one part of the response.

Nourishing Hope brings food, social services and mental health care together. At Sheridan Market, case managers and mental health staff hold drop-in hours during food distributions, giving neighbors an opportunity to ask questions and connect with additional support while picking up groceries.

As we prepare for a difficult fall, we know many families across Chicago will face even greater pressure to put food on the table and cover basic expenses. Nourishing Hope is here to help, with groceries, compassionate care and support that meets neighbors where they are.
You can help make that support possible. By donating, volunteering or sharing our services with someone who needs them, you can help more families find food for today and hope for tomorrow.