The Neighborhood Market is open to everyone. You don't need to prove your income, show an ID, or have a referral to shop. Having a job, receiving SNAP benefits, or living outside of Rockford doesn't prevent you from visiting. You don't need to be 18 either — people of any age can shop.
When you arrive, a staff member will ask for a small amount of household information: the number of adults and children in your household, whether you receive SNAP, and your zip code. You'll give a brief verbal self-attestation that your income is at or below the posted threshold based on your household size. That's all that's needed.
You can shop once a week during either of the two days the market is open.
You'll want to come with your own shopping bags or boxes since the market doesn't provide them. If you come about an hour after they open, you'll often wait less and still get the same amount of food as those who came earlier. The building can't let anyone in early for any reason, including to use the restroom.
If someone needs to shop for you, they can bring a completed EFP Proxy Form with your signature. Proxy forms can be picked up at the market or printed at home. If you want to volunteer and also shop, speak to a supervisor at the market to schedule your hours — signing up online without supervisor approval doesn't guarantee you'll be able to shop on the same day.
The Kishwaukee bus line has stops directly in front of the building on Sandy Hollow Rd.
The Neighborhood Market carries both perishable and non-perishable foods including meat, dairy products, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and more. Some items may have per-household limits. During the holiday season, special items like turkey and Thanksgiving kits have been offered.
The Neighborhood Market is a client-choice pantry, which means you shop like you would in a grocery store. You get a cart and walk through the aisles picking what you want and what works for your household. There are signs indicating limits on certain items, but otherwise you can take what you need for the week. You bag your own groceries at checkout, similar to Aldi.
You can also order groceries online for pickup from temperature-controlled smart lockers at the Neighborhood Market. To order, visit Orderahead.org, click "Get Started", enter your zip code, and choose "Neighborhood Market Lockers". Orders are accepted weekly from Tuesday 8 a.m. until Thursday 12 p.m. Once your order is placed, you'll receive an email and text with your unique locker code and pickup instructions.
SNAP Help: Northern Illinois Food Bank's SNAP Outreach team can help you apply for SNAP benefits in person, over the phone, or by mail. Call the toll-free SNAP Help Line at 844-600-7627 or email SNAP@northernilfoodbank.org. You can also schedule a phone appointment with a SNAP Coordinator. Phone assistance is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Home Delivery: If you're unable to get to the Neighborhood Market, a home delivery program is available. Reviewers mention a "doordash program" for those who get on the list, and one reviewer noted weekly delivery to their home as a disabled neighbor. For more information, call the Northwest Center at 815-639-1257.
My Pantry Express: Northern Illinois Food Bank also operates My Pantry Express (mypantryexpress.org), an online ordering program for pantry groceries. Visit the site to check the availability calendar and place orders for pickup.
Financial donations can be made online at support.solvehungertoday.org. Every $1 donated helps provide $8 worth of groceries for a neighbor in need. Monthly giving is available through the Serving Hope monthly giving club. Food and industry donations are also accepted. For corporate partnerships, matching gifts, or grant opportunities, contact the food bank directly.
Volunteers are always needed to help sort, pack, and distribute food at the Neighborhood Market. Sign up at volunteer-northernilfoodbank.org. You'll need to create an account before scheduling shifts. For questions, email volunteer@northernilfoodbank.org or call 630-443-6910 (press 2).
Children ages 8 and older are welcome for food sort and pack shifts. Children 12 and older can participate in grocery distribution shifts. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older.
Groups of 20 or more should complete the Team Volunteer Reservation Request at volunteer-northernilfoodbank.org/team-volunteer-request. All team member names and email addresses must be confirmed at least two weeks before the shift.
For court-compelled community service hours, call 630-443-6910 ext. 0192 or email courtcompelled@northernilfoodbank.org to verify eligibility before signing up. All individuals must be at least 16 years old.
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