Chicago

WHAT DO I DO IF I'M WORRIED ABOUT HAVING ENOUGH FOOD FOR MY FAMILY?

The city of Chicago has a number of resources to provide you and your family with food, should you need it. There is a list of resources for your reference below, and we will also continue to post opportunities as they become available.

Unemployment resources

Unemployment FAQs

Frequently asked questions about unemployment and application process.

Illinois Unemployment Benefits

The Illinois Unemployment Page. Find information about unemployment insurance and file a claim.

VIDEO: How to Apply For Unemployment in Illinois

Step by step instructions on how to apply for unemployment in Illinois.

fOOD INSECURITY resources

General City of Chicago List of Resources

Webpage of Chicago's food resources.

Chicago Food Depository

Food pantry programs that provide free food for people struggling with hunger.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

Illinois Hunger Coalition

The Illinois Hunger Coalition (IHC) seeks to #EndHungerNow and end hunger's underlying causes through community organizing, advocating for progressive public policies, and public education.

Pilsen Food Pantry

Pilsen Food Pantry directly distributes high quality and culturally-appropriate foods. Food delivery is also available.

ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RIGHT NOW BEYOND UNEMPLOYMENT?

There are a lot of options for financial assistance for you and your family. We have included a few resources and funds here.

financial resources

Financial Resources for Restaurant Employees

A list of financial assistance opportunities by the Restaurant Opportunities Centers.

Boka Employee Relief Fund

Apply for the Boka Restaurant Group Emergency Employee Relief Fund

Campari America - Another Round, Another Rally

Emergency assistance to those employed in restaurants, bars, and hotels who have fallen on unexpected hardship.

Southern Smoke Fund

Funding to those employed by or own restaurants or bars or are employed by a restaurant or bar supplier that are faced unforeseen expenses that cannot or will not be covered by insurance.

Funds with Specifications on who can apply

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Provides financial assistance to people that are pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years old.

CORE

CORE supports food & beverage service employees with children who are experiencing major medical diagnosis of a parent or child, death of a parent or child, or loss of home or employment due to a fire, flood, or other naturally occurring circumstance.

Available LEgal Resources

If you are need of legal support because you can’t pay rent, have questions about unemployment, upcoming court dates, etc., we have compiled a list of free resources for you to reach out to for legal guidance.

Legal resources

CARPLS

Talk to an experienced and compassionate attorney for free.

Illinois Legal Aid

This is a stateside website to help people with legal problems by providing information and respects.

Illinois Free Legal Answers

On this site, those who qualify can ask a question that a volunteer lawyer will try to answer. It’s like a virtual legal clinic connecting someone in need with a lawyer to answer their question.

Chicago resources

City of Chicago Coronavirus Response Center

COVID-19 resources and guidance.

We are here to help.

If you are in emergency need of food or supplies for you or your children, please email hr@bokagrp.com for additional options for assistance.