Tri-Cities food pantries: hours, locations and how to get help

If money for groceries is running short, you have more options than you might think. St. Charles, Geneva and Batavia each have at least one food pantry, and a free online pantry run by the Northern Illinois Food Bank delivers to homes around Geneva. Here is where to go, when they are open and what to bring.

Hours below were checked on each organization's website on Oct. 22, 2026. Pantries change schedules, so call or check online before you go.

Batavia: Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry and Clothes Closet

The pantry moved to its permanent home at 916 First St. in 2025. It serves residents of Batavia and Batavia Township, which includes some parts of Aurora and North Aurora. If you are not sure you live inside those lines, call (630) 879-3784.

Shopping hours: Tuesday 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to noon.

First visit: Bring a photo ID and a utility bill or rent receipt with your name on it from the past month. Arrive at least 15 minutes before closing. Once you are certified you get a punch card, which you bring each time.

How often: Food once a month, the clothes closet twice a month. You can book an appointment, walk in (limited spots) or order food online at least 24 hours ahead for pickup. Details are on the pantry's Get Help page.

Holiday closures: Nov. 26, Nov. 27, Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2027.

Geneva: Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry

Chapelstreet Church runs Shepherd's Heart at its South Street Campus, 2300 South St. The church says everyone who needs food is welcome, and you can visit twice a month.

Hours: Monday 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening includes a dinner.

Appointments are required. Book at myshpantry.com or stop in during pantry hours to set one up. The church asks for no phone calls about appointments. Shepherd's Heart also runs a Baby Boutique with diapers, baby clothes and maternity items for moms facing money trouble.

Geneva: St. Peter Food Pantry

St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, opens its pantry on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Times are posted on the parish calendar, and you can register through the pantry page.

St. Charles: Salvation Army and the library

The Salvation Army's St. Charles (Tri City) Corps is at 1710 S. 7th Ave., (630) 377-2769. Its website lists food pantry hours of Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., plus Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. The St. Charles Public Library's food resource list gives different times (pantry shopping Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and fresh food distribution weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and says families can get help once a month. Call before you go.

The St. Charles Public Library, One S. Sixth Ave., keeps a Community Cabinet stocked with food that anyone can take during library hours, no questions asked.

The library's list also points to Lazarus House, 214 Walnut St., for ready-to-eat meals, and an appointment-only pantry run by Two Rivers Head Start Agency at 418 Airport Road, (630) 264-1444.

Order online: My Pantry Express

The Northern Illinois Food Bank, based in Geneva, runs My Pantry Express, a free online pantry. You place an order and pick it up or have it delivered at no charge. Home delivery covers anyone living within 14 miles of Geneva. Eligibility is based on your own statement of need, with no income or residency rules. Orders are capped each week, so if the window is full, check back.

The food bank also keeps a pantry finder for its network of more than 900 partner sites.

Beyond the pantry

You can apply for SNAP benefits online through Illinois' ABE portal or by calling (800) 843-6154. Township offices also run General Assistance for residents in a tough spot. Geneva Township is at 400 Wheeler Drive, open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., (630) 232-3606. St. Charles Township is at 1725 Dean St., (630) 584-9342.