El Mercadito Food Pantry, located in Oak Park, IL, is a dedicated initiative born from the collaboration between La Casa Norte and Nourishing Hope, committed to addressing the urgent needs of Chicago residents facing food insecurity. We believe that meeting basic human needs is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty. At El Mercadito, we provide nutritious groceries—including fresh produce, dairy, and meat—to those in need. During food pick-up, clients also gain access to a suite of essential services, such as public benefits assistance, job search training, and mental health counseling through Nourishing Hope, alongside resource referrals from La Casa Norte. Pre-registration is available to streamline your visit, ensuring confidentiality and a caring approach to every individual's needs. Together, we are working to nourish not just bodies, but also pathways out of hunger.