FAQs — Downers Grove Area FISH

Frequent Asked Questions

There are no requirements to visit our Food Pantry. If you need food, you are welcome at FISH! In order to serve as many people as possible, we limit our clients to once a week.
Yes, absolutely! DG Area FISH has a diverse clientele and is happy to provide a Mandarin or Spanish shopping list. We are fortunate to have a Mandarin-speaking volunteer to help translate during food distribution as well.

Please see this list which is updated frequently based on our stock and clients’ requests.
We accept donations every Tuesday 8:30-10:30AM & 5-6PM, Thursday 8:30-10:30AM, and Friday 10:30-11:30AM. If these times do not fit your schedule, call (630) 964-7776 or email us to set up something more convenient. We ask that donations not be dropped off during food distribution hours to ensure there is adequate parking for clients.
No, we no longer accept clothing donations.
Yes, we are a 501(c)(3) organization. A donation receipt is available upon request.
If you are donating by check, please note the individual’s name on the memo line. For online donations via PayPal or Stripe (credit card), there is a section to include your tribute.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! Please email us or call (630) 964-7776 for more information.
We receive many volunteer inquiries on a weekly basis and are unable to honor all of them. Every applicant is added to a volunteer waitlist. Volunteers are then selected first-come, first-served based on the role open and availability needed. Our Volunteer Coordinator will reach out with more information if you are selected. Thank you for your continued interest and patience!
Any child who is school-age (5 and older) can volunteer with us. Volunteers 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For additional age requirements, please see the bottom of our Volunteer page.
Given our physical space limitations, we can accommodate large groups to help with food drives only. If you have a large group that is interested in volunteering, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator to set up a date.
Community service required for Boy/Girl Scout projects and Confirmation candidates is accepted. We do not accept court-mandated community service hours.

Our Food Pantry is housed next to the Downers Grove Township building and shares the space with a senior center. Entrance and parking lot are on the north side of the building.
DG Area FISH was founded upon Christian principles over 50 years ago, hence the fish symbol (ichthys) seen in our logo and our name. We like to say FISH stands for "Food Insecurity Stops Here".