No Halo News · Sourced development
Greater Chicago Food Depository and NORC survey finds 36% of Chicago households face food insecurity
The Greater Chicago Food Depository released a survey conducted with NORC at the University of Chicago that estimated 36% of Chicago households, or about 417,000 households, lacked consistent access to enough food. The rate reached 47% among households with children. Separately, the food bank reported distributing 119 million pounds of food, equivalent to 99.3 million meals, during its last fiscal year and supporting more than 2.26 million household visits through its network.
Status matters. This page records a sourced development, not a completed No Halo investigation. An allegation is not a finding. Dismissals, settlements, judgments, corrections and final outcomes remain distinct.
Donor relevance
Why this matters
The independent survey documents unusually widespread need, while the food bank's reported distribution volume shows a major operational response. Together, the figures give donors context on both the scale of the problem and the charity's activity.
Attribution
Who reported or established this
The prevalence estimates came from a June survey of 1,200 Chicago residents conducted with NORC at the University of Chicago. Distribution and household-visit figures were reported by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Evidence limits
What remains unverified
No Halo has not independently reviewed the full survey data or audited the food-distribution and household-visit figures. Meal equivalents are output measures and do not by themselves establish improved long-term food security.
Right of reply
Organization response
The Food Depository said it is maintaining emergency food access, helping residents connect with public benefits and advocating for policy changes. It also cautioned that charitable food providers cannot solve the broader affordability crisis alone.
Classification
How No Halo records this event
Event type: Independent Impact Evidence. Current state: Reported. No Halo preserves the current procedural state rather than treating every mention as a finding.
Published September 14, 2026 · Last verified September 16, 2026. See an error or a later outcome? Submit a correction or right of reply.