The Greater Chicago Food Depository and NORC at the University of Chicago released the "Hunger in Chicago Report" on September 14, 2026, revealing that roughly one in three Chicago households—35 percent—experience food insecurity. The findings underscore the scale of unmet nutritional needs across the city and its surrounding Cook County area.
The report was produced through a collaboration between the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the region’s primary food‑bank network, and NORC, an independent research organization affiliated with the University of Chicago. Together they compiled data on household food access, drawing on surveys and existing community metrics to produce a comprehensive snapshot of hunger in the metropolitan area.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository, which distributes food to hundreds of pantries throughout Cook County, serves as the logistical backbone for the region’s charitable food system. By supplying these pantries, the Depository helps deliver meals to individuals and families facing economic hardship, a role that gains new urgency in light of the report’s 35 percent household insecurity figure.
The "Hunger in Chicago Report" provides detailed analysis of the demographic and geographic patterns behind the insecurity rate, offering policymakers, service providers, and advocates a data‑driven foundation for addressing the problem. While the report does not prescribe specific solutions, it highlights the need for coordinated efforts to expand access to nutritious food and strengthen the safety net for vulnerable residents.
Officials from both organizations emphasized that the data will inform future programming and resource allocation. By documenting the extent of food insecurity, the report aims to guide stakeholders in targeting interventions where they are most needed, reinforcing the city’s ongoing commitment to reducing hunger among its residents.