Feed the Hungry

"When you are asked in the world to come, 'What was your work?' and you answer: 'I fed the hungry,' you will be told: 'This is the gate of the Lord, enter into it, you who have fed the hungry'." (Midrash to Psalm 118:17)

The Jewish obligation to feed the hungry is one of our most important mitzvot, and the need to fulfill this sacred duty is now more urgent than ever. Due to the federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments are both halved and delayed this month. This leaves over 42 million Americans, 2 million of whom live in Illinois, without enough means to purchase food for themselves and their families. Soup kitchens and food pantries are in overdrive attempting to respond to this emergent and growing need.

At NSCI, we partner with 12 soup kitchens, food pantries, and organizations that support those who receive SNAP benefits. Please take a look at the list below and consider offering extra support during this time.

We are also here for anyone in our NSCI community who receives SNAP benefits and could use extra support during this time. If you are in need of assistance, please fill out this confidential form.

Beth emet soup kitchen

NSCI has volunteered at the Beth Emet Soup Kitchen for a number of years and they are in need of both financial and nonperishable food donations. Details are available at their website by clicking here.

Connections for the homeless

Connections for the Homeless in Evanston is another one of NSCI’s partners through Feed the Homeless and provides food and shelter to those in need. They are especially requesting direct donations of fresh groceries (meat, eggs, dairy, etc.) and grocery gift cards which can be delivered to 2121 Dewey Ave. in Evanston T–TH between 2:00–4:00 pm. For more information, click here.

Family Promise

NSCI has hosted families from Family Promise during the first two weeks of June for the past several years. They support families experiencing housing insecurity, and that includes providing them with grocery store gift cards, which are of urgent need right now. Click here to make a donation.

FEED THE HOMELESS

For 35 years, NSCI’s Feed the Homeless program has helped to feed thousands of people around Chicago, providing 1,000 hot meals and brown bag lunches monthly. To volunteer with Feed the Homeless and/or donate to continue this important initiative, click here.

Fill a heart 4 kids

Fill a Heart 4 Kids is another one of NSCI’s partners through Feed the Homeless and provides food, shelter, and support to children on the North Shore. Click here to make a donation. 

Moraine township food pantry

Highland Park’s food pantry is the recipient of NSCI’s Mitzvah Garden produce and is in need of both financial and nonperishable food donations, which can be ordered directly or dropped off at 800 Central Avenue in Highland Park between 8:30 am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Click here to learn more and/or donate.

New trier food pantry

Serving Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Glenview, and Northfield, the New Trier Food Pantry is in need of both financial and nonperishable food donations, which can be ordered directly or dropped off at 739 Elm Street in Winnetka between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Click here to learn more and/or donate.

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

For over 10 years, NSCI has provided Thanksgiving meals for the more than 400 families of Whittier Elementary School in Waukegan. In 2024, we provided 319 meals to the Whittier school families. This year, we want to provide a Thanksgiving meal to all 400 families! Click here to get involved.

The ark Chicago

The Ark is a longstanding partner of NSCI and provides food and human support services to over 5,000 Jewish individuals and families in the Chicago area. They request direct donations so they can purchase kosher food for their clients at a wholesale price.
Click here to learn more about The Ark.

The Meals Ministry

The Meals Ministry at 4th Presbyterian Church in Chicago is one of NSCI’s partners through Feed the Homeless and feeds those in need five days a week. Click here to learn more and/or to make a donation.

REFUGEE ONE

NSCI has partnered with Refugee One to resettle refugee families in Chicago since 2018. They are currently supporting their refugee families, many of whom receive SNAP benefits and are requesting grocery store gift cards mailed to them at 6008 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659. Click here to learn more and/or make a donation.

West deerfield food pantry

The West Deerfield Food Pantry is in need of financial and nonperishable food donations, which can be dropped off at 601 Deerfield Road 8:30 am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Click here to learn more and/or donate.