Here's Where Cicero and Berwyn Residents Can Get Free Food
A volunteer helps with the Tuesday food delivery at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Cicero. (Photo courtesy of Gethsemane Lutheran Church).
By Leslie Hurtado and Irene Romulo
As the pandemic continues, more and more people are dealing with food insecurity. Here is a list of places in Cicero and Berwyn where people can obtain free food. The hours and locations have been verified as of October 12, 2020. We’ll update the information regularly as schedules and services change in response to the pandemic. We also suggest you follow the Cicero Community Collaborative on Facebook for announcements on any upcoming food giveaway events.
Monday
Templo Laramie Pantry
2337 S. Laramie, Cicero, IL
(708)-222-0177
Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Note:
If you come to the pantry, volunteers recommend that you wear a mask and bring a laundry cart to carry your food. Because of the pandemic, the organization has also started a food distribution program on the first Mondays of the month from 9:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m.
Catholic Charities
1400 S. Austin, Cicero, IL
(708)-222-1491
Hours: Monday and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. then 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Note:
Once people arrive at the location, information such as your name, address and ID are taken. Catholic Charities serves people who live in Berwyn and Cicero areas.
Tuesday
Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney Food Pantry
1937 S. 50th Ave., Cicero, IL
(708)-863-4913
Hours: Tuesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Note:
Upon arrival, an ID, drivers license or a piece of mail is needed to prove you reside in one of the three locations: Berwyn, Cicero or Stickney. Everyone is expected to wear a mask and physically distance while waiting for food items. All visitors are allowed to return to the pantry every other week.
Wednesday
Beyond Hunger Food Pantry
848 Lake St., Oak Park, IL
(708)386-1324
Hours: Wednesday 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Note:
Cicero residents do not qualify for this food pantry. Berwyn residents may visit this food pantry. If you want to drive instead of waiting outside for food items, there is a drive-through area where you can pick up food items. If you prefer waiting in a line, a mask is required while waiting in line. An ID must be provided to volunteers before receiving food items. Identification information will not be shared with anyone from outside organizations. You can come twice a month to receive food from the pantry.
Thursday
Christian Life Center
3409 S. Grove, Berwyn, IL
(708)-398-3234
Hours: Every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
Note:
Before entering this pantry, you must wear a mask and provide a source of identification, such as as a state ID or a bill as proof of residency. Residents from zip codes, 60402, 60804, 60534 and 60546 are allowed to visit the location only two times a month. When planning to visit the food pantry, you are required to not arrive before 4 p.m. If you would like to skip the register line, you can register online at berwynag.org.
Friday
Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church
1300 Harvey Ave., Berwyn, IL
(708)-795-6480
Hours: Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Note:
Upon arrival, an ID and a piece of mail must be presented for verification of current address. Masks are also required to enter the pantry space. Visits to the food pantry are not limited per month. During the pandemic, people outside Cicero and Berwyn areas allowed entry to the food pantry.
