As the weather turns colder and our thoughts turn toward the holidays, it can be all too easy to forget that there are those within our community who struggle to put a “regular” meal on the table. Food insecurity is a serious problem in the United States, affecting millions of people. Let us remember that some of those may be neighbors who could just use a little help to get by. Many people don’t know where to turn for help when they’re struggling to put food on the table. That’s why we created this guide.
Thankfully, most of us have probably never needed to turn to a food pantry. But if you need help, then I hope this guide may help you find it. If you are in a position to help, either financially or through volunteering, then I hope this guide may help you find outlets for your generosity.
Jump to the McHenry County Food Pantries
Finding Food Pantries In My Area
Below, you’ll find the list of local McHenry County food pantries that we have compiled…so far. We’ve broken them out by city or village to make it easier to find what may be closest to you or someone you know.
This list is primarily made up of “traditional food pantries,” but there are some that offer unique offerings.
If you are in need, instead of or in addition to those listed here, be sure to check around with local agencies, churches, community groups, schools, etc.
There may be other forms of assistance available that aren’t promoted specifically as a food pantry or assistance that may be available as part of other programs.
Using Food Pantries
First…things change quickly, so please reach out ahead of time to confirm details: location, hours, any specific requirements or qualifications, etc.
Second…as mentioned above, some pantries may be open to all, others may be limited to residents of their city/village, or there may be income/need requirements. Each may be different and have its own requirements and processes, so best to get details on that upfront.
Third…it’s also good to find out any specific operational details like whether payment is expected and what forms of payment are accepted, whether you need to bring your own bags, any quantity limits on specific foods, or whether some foods are only available on certain days, etc.
Fourth…if you are in need of help, then please seek it. Don’t assume that you don’t qualify because you are employed, because you aren’t homeless, or that you must be enrolled in a state or federal program. Contact the specific locations and let them help determine what assistance you qualify for.
Check First
Each of the food pantries and food banks below may offer differing levels of service. Some may be open most days of the week, while others may be limited to certain days or even limited times during the month. Some may offer curbside food pantry assistance, drive-thru, or even operate as a mobile food pantry.
Click to Submit Others, Information, or Corrections
Did we miss one or include one that is no longer relevant? Or maybe you have information to add or we need to correct our information? We greatly appreciate any help that others can provide. Please provide as much information, including links to other sources, as you can in the form below. Thanks!
Note: We’ve highlighted those pantries that may no longer be operating or we haven’t been able to confirm updated information.
McHenry County Food Pantries
Algonquin Food Pantries
Algonquin-LITH Interfaith Food Pantry
Address: 1113 Pyott Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 847-854-1904
Cary Food Pantries
Cary-Grove Food Pantry
Address: 8901 Cary Algonquin Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-516-3602
Details: Cary-Grove Food Pantry
Crystal Lake Food Pantries
Crystal Lake Food Pantry
Address: 42 East Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-455-0961
Details: Crystal Lake Food Pantry
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First Church Food Pantry
Address: 236 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-0785
Details: First Church Food Pantry
Harvest Bible Chapel
Address: 580 Tracy Trail, Crystal Lake, 60014
Phone: 847-398-7005
Details: Harvest Bible Chapel
The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps Community Center
Address: 290 W Crystal Lake Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-455-2769
Details: The Salvation Army Crystal Lake Corps Community Center
Veterans Path to Hope Monthly Food Truck
Address: ST. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-321-4673
Fox River Grove Food Pantries
Cary-Grove Food Pantry
Address: 8901 Cary Algonquin Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Phone: 847-516-3602
Details: Cary-Grove Food Pantry
Harvard Food Pantries
Harvard Community Food Pantry
Address: Lions Park, 6817 Harvard Hills Rd, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: 815-943-4909
Details: Harvard Community Food Pantry
New Life Pentecostal Food Pantry
Address: 309 N Division St, Harvard, IL 60033
Phone: 815-900-4485
Details: New Life Pentecostal Food Pantry
What’s the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Food banks take in large quantities of food that is then distributed to organizations for direct distribution to those in need.
Hebron Food Pantries
Hebron Community Food Pantry
Address: 10206 Seaman Rd, Hebron, IL 60034
Phone: 815-790-7267
Details: Hebron Community Food Pantry
Huntley Food Pantries
Grafton Food Pantry
Address: 11481 Allison Court, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-495-0922
Details: Grafton Food Pantry
Open Hands Food Pantry
Address: 17N230 Manning Rd, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone: 847-961-6974
Details: Open Hands Food Pantry
Mobile & Pop-Up Food Pantries
In addition to the locations we have listed here, there are also mobile and pop-up food pantries. These operate in various locations across the county on a set date and time.
As these are constantly changing, use the link here to see upcoming markets.
Island Lake Food Pantries
Faith Acres Foundation Food Pantry
Address: 215 E State Rd Unit H, Island Lake, IL 60042
Phone: 815-669-0188
Details: Faith Acres Foundation Food Pantry
Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry
Address: 505 W Bonner Rd, Wauconda, IL 60084
Phone: 847-526-8684
Details: Wauconda/Island Lake Food Pantry
Lake in the Hills Food Pantries
Algonquin-LITH Interfaith Food Pantry
Address: 1113 Pyott Rd, Lake in the Hills, IL 60156
Phone: 847-854-1904
Marengo Food Pantries
Stone Soup Sharing Center – First Presbyterian Church
Address: 119 East Washington, Marengo, IL 60152
Phone: 815-290-9114
Details: Stone Soup Sharing Center – Marengo United Methodist Church
Marengo Area Outreach Enterprises (M.O.R.E.) Center Food Pantry
Address: 829 Greenlee St, Marengo, IL 60152
Phone: 815-568-7950
Details: Marengo Area Outreach Enterprises (M.O.R.E.) Center Food Pantry
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McHenry Food Pantries
Casa De Vida Church
Address: 4513 Front Royal Dr, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 815-669-1406
Details: Casa De Vida Church
First Church Food Truck
Address: 1809 Rt 31, McHenry, IL 60050
Phone: 847-809-3331
Details: First Church Food Truck
FISH Food Pantry of McHenry
Address: 3515 N Richmond Rd, McHenry, IL 60051
Phone: 815-344-4717
Details: FISH Food Pantry of McHenry
How do I qualify for a food bank or pantry?
It all depends on the provider. Some may require proof of residency as they may only serve a specific community. Others may have certain income restrictions and they can explain what is needed. But others may not have any restrictions at all, which is why we encourage you to contact your nearest locations to let them help determine whether you qualify based on their specific criteria. And if you don’t, they can probably help direct you to those organizations who can help you.
Richmond Food Pantries
Richmond / Spring Grove Food Pantry
Address: 5512 May Ave, Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 815-678-4351
Details: Richmond / Spring Grove Food Pantry
Spring Grove Food Pantries
Richmond / Spring Grove Food Pantry
Address: 5512 May Ave, Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 815-678-4351
Details: Richmond / Spring Grove Food Pantry
Northern Illinois Helping Hands Food Pantry
Address: 2020 US-12 Unit B, Spring Grove, IL 60081
Phone: 815-245-7345
Wonder Lake Food Pantries
Neighbors Food Pantry of Wonder Lake / Nativity Lutheran Church
Address: 3506 E Wonder Lake Dr, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
Phone: 815-355-5459
Details: Neighbors Food Pantry of Wonder Lake / Nativity Lutheran Church
Woodstock Food Pantries
Woodstock Food Pantry
Address: 1033 Lake Ave, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-337-0375
Details: Woodstock Food Pantry
Woodstock Public Library Food Pantry
Address: 414 W. Judd Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone: 815-338-0542
Details: Woodstock Public Library Food Pantry
Note: Please consult the respective informational sources for the most current information as details may have changed since publication or update.
If you are connected with any of these or any other local McHenry County food pantries or resources, we’d be happy to correct, update, or add your information. Please hop over to our contact page and send us your information. We also invite you to add or claim your free Directory listing (if appropriate) or your free Event listings for any related events.
Helping
If you wish to help, many of these food pantries and organizations can use volunteers. Some organizations may also take donations, either in food or financial contributions.
Northern Illinois Food Bank & Feeding America
One site that does provide a wealth of information, well beyond what we have here, is the Northern Illinois Food Bank. They are also a member of Feeding America, which is headquartered in Chicago and works at a national level.
In addition to helping directly with any of the McHenry County organizations above, you may wish to consider donating directly to the Northern Illinois Food Bank and/or Feeding America. Financial donations through them often carry more buying power.
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President and Founder of Identity Developments, LLC, the parent company of the McHenry Life website. My hope for McHenry Life is to create a resource and destination for the residents and businesses of McHenry County alike. A place where residents can discover new places to explore, fun events and ways to spend time, and then share those experiences with others. A place where businesses can connect with existing and potential customers, and not simply market their businesses, but share their own unique stories.
