Family Support Resources
Find Your Local Food Bank – Feeding America
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks and food programs helps millions of people find food and grocery help in their communities every year. Connect with your local food bank to learn about upcoming free food distributions and to apply for national food programs.
You can also visit Feeding Illinois for more information about Illinois food banks.
Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays
Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource list from the Illinois Early Learning Project shares information for parents on how to get your child evaluated, how to get special education services for your child and where to find more information to support children with autism, Down syndrome, hearing loss and vision loss.
First Hand Foundation‘s pediatric medical grants provide vital financial assistance to uninsured or underinsured children up to 18 years old. The grants aim to help children receive timely, life-changing treatment that improves their health and quality of life. Families can apply for grants to cover critical medical expenses such as surgeries, prescriptions, medical equipment and travel costs. Each child is eligible for one grant every 12 months.
Learn more about applying for a grant, covered expenses and eligibility on First Hand Foundation’s website.
Applications can be submitted anytime. Grants are reviewed monthly.
flok for Individuals with an Inherited Metabolic Disorder
Formerly known as PKU News, flok provides resources, support and an app for individuals with an inherited metabolic disorder and the people and clinicians who care for them. These conditions include Classical Homocystinuria (HCU), Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), Phenylketonuria (PKU), Tyrosinemia and more.
The flok website includes:
- Opportunities to connect and share in person and virtually
- Annual flok Family Camps
- Food science information guided by a staff dietitian and collaborations with partner organizations and Genetic Metabolic Dietitians International
- The flok app for individuals managing an inherited disorder of protein metabolism
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) provides research, resources and advocacy to improve the quality of life and health of people of all ages with food allergy. Food allergy can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. FARE supports food allergy research, education programs for people with and without food allergy, and awareness around healthcare options and treatment.
FARE programs and services also include:
- “Teen Talk,” a monthly virtual hangout for preteens, teens, and young adults with food allergies
- Allergy alerts and ingredient notices
- A Food Allergy Guide, toolkits and other downloadable resources in English and Spanish
- Resources for dieticians and other healthcare professionals
- Recipes
- Support groups
Food and Support Programs in Chicago and Cook County
Get help finding food, diapers, job training and accessing programs at over 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other community partners in the Chicagoland area.
Visit the Greater Chicago Food Depository website for more information.
Food Pantry at Christ Church in East Moline and Silvis
The Food Pantry at Christ Church provides groceries to over 10,000 people annually at its Silvis and East Moline campuses.
Food is distributed at:
- The Silvis Food Pantry, 1301 2nd Ave., on Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m.
- The East Moline Campus in the Family Life Center, 3801 7th Street, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information, email connect@christchurchquadcities.com or call (309) 755-2508
Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources
The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) is a private, non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all children affected by hearing and communication disorders.
Parent resources and programming include:
The Free Formula Exchange is a nationwide mutual aid network connecting families who need baby formula to people who have formula to donate. This online tool is free to use.
FreeFood.org is a website where people can find and add free food resources locally and nationwide.