EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Food Assistance Program provides temporary emergency food support to eligible Veterans and their families experiencing financial hardship. Qualified Veterans may receive two (2) $100 Aldi gift cards for the Veteran and one (1) additional $100 gift card for each qualified dependent within the household to assist with grocery and food-related needs.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To generally qualify, applicants must:

  • Be a resident of Cook County for at least 3 recent consecutive months
  • Have qualifying military service:
    • Minimum 6 months of Net Active Service
    • Honorable, General, GUH, or UHC discharge
  • National Guard members with less than 6 months active duty may qualify with an NGB-22 showing completion of a full contract

Common Required Documentation

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

  • DD214 or qualifying military discharge paperwork
  • VA Rating Award Letter or VA No Benefit Letter
  • Current Illinois Driver’s License or State ID
  • Household income verification, such as:
    • Recent pay stubs
    • Pension statements
    • Unemployment documentation
    • Social Security award letters
  • If married, spouse income documentation may also be required
  • Documentation for qualifying dependents, if applicable, including:
    • Birth certificates
    • School registration documents
    • Lease documentation showing household residency
    • Legal guardianship paperwork for stepchildren, if applicable

Important Notes

  • Children qualifying as dependents must generally be 17 years old or younger and reside within the household
  • Additional documentation may be required depending on the situation

Processing and receipt of services are conducted in person on a first come, first served basis at VACCC Headquarters located at 1100 S Hamilton Ave, C-011 (Lower Level), Chicago, IL 60612. If you have additional questions or would like to speak directly with a caseworker regarding eligibility or required documentation, please contact the VACCC office directly at 312.433.6010 and press Menu Option 1 for Emergency Financial Services.