The Ravenswood Neighbors Association (RNA) is a proud supporter of Ravenswood Community Services (RCS), which provides the basics of food and supplies to our neighbors, respecting the dignity of all and creating community throughout Ravenswood and the surrounding neighborhoods. Amid massive federal budget cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, RCS is preparing for an increase in families needing support after already facing a growing demand.

To further support RCS during these unprecedented times, RNA is launching a First Fridays Food Drive specifically to support RCS’ After School Pantry program, which provides food distribution at three schools during dismissal. The food distributed through this program is not subsidized by USDA or the Greater Chicago Food Depository, so we can make the biggest impact by offsetting program costs. 

Where to Donate

AddressLocation
4639 N WolcottFront porch
4404 N Paulina StFront porch
4837 N HermitageFront porch
4730 N WinchesterFront porch
1620 W SunnysideFront porch
4450 N WolcottFront porch

Collection Dates

This program will run each month on the first Friday of the month through the following Thursday. For the remainder of 2025, that includes:

  • September 5-11
  • October 3-9
  • November 7-13
  • December 5-11

Accepted Items

  • Plastic jars of peanut butter (18 oz)
  • Mac and cheese box kits (7oz)
  • Oatmeal packets
  • Personal Hygiene items: new and unopened toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc., including travel-sized items.
  • NEW THIS MONTH: New and gently used winter hats and gloves of all sizes

How Else to Help

We are seeking neighbors who can serve as food drop-off locations throughout the community. Please complete the form below if you can help! How it works: 

  • On the first Friday of each month, you’ll put a container on your front porch (or another designated location) to collect items. 
  • Make the donation bin accessible through the following Thursday, giving neighbors one week to conveniently drop off items. 
  • On the following Friday, RNA will coordinate a bulk pickup of items to deliver to RCS. 
  • Ahead of each month, RNA will send reminders and any updates to the list of items we’ll collect. 

If you can’t commit to being a food drive collection site, we still encourage you to support RCS by donating food or money! RCS’ regular drop-off hours are Tuesdays between 12pm-7:30pm and Thursdays from 9am-12pm. You can also donate money to RCS here. 

Many thanks to our friends at the North Center Neighbors Association for the inspiration with a similar program they operate to support Common Pantry!