42 East Street, Crystal Lake IL 60014 | 815-455-0961
Here are some of the questions we get asked frequently. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: clfpfrontdeskmanager@clfoodpantry.org
What is your service area?
Our Board of Directors has set our service area as those persons living in Illinois School Districts 155 and 47.
What if I don’t live in the area?
We will always serve anyone who lives in the state of Illinois one time and then refer you to the food pantry nearest to you for future food assistance.
What documents do I need to bring on my first visit?
McHenry County College students need to bring a valid college ID in addition to a photo ID.
We will ask you to fill out a short application that includes your address, the names and birthdates of those in your family, and some contact information. This information stays with us and the Northern Illinois Food Bank, as we use their database. We will never share any of the information you provide us with anyone unless we receive a court order.
On future visits, please bring your own cloth or paper bags to take your food home.
On your first visit, we will also give you a listing of community resources to help you connect with other community services, including a current McHenry County Resources List and a current Food Truck List. We will provide you with cloth bags on your first visit. On future visits, please bring your own cloth or paper bags to take your food home.
How often may I visit?
You may visit our pantry twice a month. Please remember that most of our food is donated and we may not have every item every visit. Our pantry is Client Choice so you will be able to shop for your food items. There are some items that you may only receive once a month so it is important to plan ahead.
What types of tasks are available for volunteers?
Pantry Shopping: Assisting neighbors with their shopping in the main food pantry during open hours. You will help push the cart for them and walk them around the pantry, helping to remind them how many items they can choose from each shelf and also just making them feel welcome.
Sorting: Sort non-perishable and perishable donations in the back of the pantry.
Cooking/Baking: The Inspiration Kitchen is one of our specialty areas. We are looking for individuals who enjoy cooking and baking (nothing too difficult) and who would assist Marilyn (the kitchen lead) with cooking demonstrations and passing out samples to our Neighbors.
Food Rescue Drivers: Local grocery store pickups with the Pantry’s box truck. No CDL required, however you must pass an IDOT physical.
How old do you need to be to volunteer?
We do ask that all volunteers be 16 years old to help at the Pantry. Youth under the age of 16 must be approved by the volunteer coordinator and have self provided adult supervision.
Do you need volunteers for tasks that are not at the food pantry?
We are always looking for volunteers who want to use their professional and general life skills to benefit the Food Pantry.
Examples include anyone with forklift experience, social media and marketing, professional photography, tech skills, handyman/woman, front desk worker, food rescue drivers, leading tours/group sorts, special event & fundraiser planners/coordinators.
If you have any of these specialty skills and would like to volunteer your time, please contact us at clfpfrontdeskmanager@gmail.com to share the ways you can help.
