Common Pantry Celebrates Milestone: Serving Record Number of North Center Residents in New Lincoln Avenue Facility

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/North Center · October 23, 2025

Common Pantry, which uses a market model to serve people struggling with food insecurity, has become a cornerstone of the North Center community from its facility on Lincoln Avenue. The 56-year-old organization, Chicago's oldest continuously operating food pantry, held a grand opening for their new location in North Center earlier this year.

The move comes at a critical time as Common Pantry is experiencing unprecedented demand. In recent months, the organization served the most families in its history, with nearly a third being first-time visitors. "We're here now in a more pedestrian friendly location, but the need is also really, really high. The actual current need is astounding," Executive Director Margaret O'Conor noted. The pantry's accessible location at 3908 N. Lincoln Ave. has allowed it to expand its reach significantly in the neighborhood.

Community members can visit the pantry Tuesday through Thursday for emergency food distribution, with special hours on Wednesday evenings. The nonprofit organization provides not only emergency food supplies but also offers social services through their Common Community program, monthly home delivery for immobile seniors, and Produce Day on the third Monday of each month. All North Center residents are welcome to participate in these programs designed to address food insecurity and poverty in our community.

Sources:
1. https://abc7chicago.com/common-pantry-chicago-food-bank-near-me-illinois/13783649/
2. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/common-pantry-opens-its-first-standalone-location-in-56-year-history/3228634/
3. https://www.lincolnsquare.org/list/member/common-pantry-442
4. https://business.northcenterchamber.com/list/member/common-pantry-148