Free Food Pop Up

09/10/2026

Just another day with Barb Dorman at Free Food Pop Up with Southland Voice.
There is something incredibly special about having a job you genuinely love—or volunteering your time for a person, organizatio or cause you truly believe in. It doesn't feel like work anymore.
When you care about what you're doing, your attitude changes. You aren't constantly watching the clock, counting the minutes until you can leave. You’re laughing, talking, creating memories, meeting interesting people, solving problems, helping someone and sometimes making a complete mess of things together—and somehow, those become the stories you remember the most.
The best part? Everyone has fun. The people around you can feel when you're there because you want to be there, not because you're simply collecting a paycheck or fulfilling an obligation. That energy spreads. One person's enthusiasm can turn an ordinary day into something people actually look forward to.
Volunteering can be even more rewarding because you're giving your time without expecting anything in return. You get to watch someone’s face light up because of something you helped make happen. You get to meet people you might never have crossed paths with. You get to be part of something bigger than yourself.
And yes, there will still be stressful days, ridiculous situations, exhausted moments and probably a few things that go completely sideways. But when you're surrounded by people who care about the same mission, even the chaos can be fun.
I think that's one of life's greatest blessings: finding something you love so much that you can work hard at it, give your time to it, get tired doing it—and still go home thinking, “That was a damn good day.”
Because when you love what you do and love the people you're doing it with, you're not just working or volunteering. You're living. And everybody gets to have a little more fun along the way.

08/17/2026

Food distribution 830 to 930am tuesday in park forest $5 Donation requested. be nice

07/21/2026

Need community service hours?

Free Food Pop Up is a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is approved by Will and Cook Counties to provide verified community service hours for students, court-ordered service, and volunteer requirements.

Now... before you sign up, let's make sure we're a good fit. 😄

Please don't apply if you:

Can't make your first scheduled interview.
Think oversleeping is a legitimate transportation plan.
Have "court every Tuesday" on your calendar.
Never have reliable childcare.
Need a ride that arrives after the workday has already started.
Think you're doing us a favor by being here.
Can't take a joke.
Cry over every little inconvenience.
Get a flat tire every week... somehow.
Need to hold your cell phone like it's life support.
Have a mysterious weekly toothache.
Become an "expert" after your first day and no longer need directions.
Can't talk and work at the same time.
Forget to come back after lunch.
Expect a gold star for showing up on time.
Believe your birthday automatically qualifies as a paid holiday. (Spoiler alert... it doesn't.)

If, however, you're dependable, willing to learn, enjoy helping people, have a sense of humor, and aren't afraid of a little hard work... we'd love to have you!

We feed thousands of people each week, and it takes an incredible team to make it happen. Community service isn't just about earning hours—it's about making a real difference in someone's life.

If you qualify... welcome to the family. We have work to do!

Send a message to learn more

07/20/2026

Food distribution 830-930am Tuesday in Park Forest. Get in line early so we can beat the heat. Start lining up at south end. $5 donation requested. Please Be Nice!

07/20/2026

A letter Free Food Pop Up received about the 5 gallon water jugs we regifted from@Illinois Partners In Hope

My name is Andrea and I am the Recreation Supervisor for Dyer Parks & Recreation. Earlier this year, we received a donation of (20) 5 gallon water jugs. We were finally able to use them during our 2026 Summer Camp Challenge.
Our Summer Camp Challenge hosts over 350 participants. Teams from local Park Departments, neighborhoods ang YMCAs compete in six team-building events featuring a mix of strategy challenges, relays, and trivia. All games are designed to be inclusive and accessible for all ability levels.
Teams will earn points at each event, and the team with the highest cumulative score will be awarded a trophy and crowned the Summer Camp Challenge Champions and receive a trophy. A Spirit Stick Award is also presented to the team that demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, attitude, and team spirit.
Please see the attaches photos of the recent Camp Challenge. We used the jugs to play a game called “flip the bottle.”
On behalf of the Dyer Parks & Recreation Department, the participants of this event and myself, we want to thank you for your generosity. If anything comes along that you can’t figure out what to do with, please reach out and we’ll figure out what we can use the item/items for.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Andrea Daliege
Recreation Supervisor
Dyer Parks & Recreation

07/07/2026

05/12/2026

Food Distribution 730-830 Wednesday at CTFPD. Make sure to come to this one to get a raffle ticket for a cool prize at the end of the month. Only people who come to Crete get raffle tickets. Be Nice. $5 donation requested

05/06/2026

Food distribution 730-830am Thursday in Kmart parking lot. $5 donation requested. Be Kind. Get there early as the weather is getting nicer more people will be in line and it goes fast!

05/04/2026

Food distribution 830-930am Tuesday in Park Forest. Please be nice. $5 donation requested.

05/02/2026

Since the new requirements tied to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are now in place, it’s important for people to understand what that actually means in real life. If you’re receiving benefits and are required to complete at least 30 hours a month of work or volunteer service, that’s not optional—it’s something that directly affects whether you keep your assistance.
That’s where Free Food Pop Up, licensed 501c3, steps in to help bridge that gap.
We are offering real, hands-on community service opportunities at our distribution sites so you can meet those required hours while also giving back. This isn’t busy work—it’s meaningful. You’ll be helping sort food, assist families, organize distributions and be part of something that directly impacts people in your own community.
But there are expectations, because this is meant to reflect real responsibility:
**You need to show up at least 30 minutes before the event starts. That’s part of being reliable and ready to work.
If you can’t make it early, then you need to rethink using that day for hours. This isn’t something you can casually drop into late.
**You are responsible for tracking your own hours. Bring a sheet, keep it updated, and I will sign off every day you volunteer—no exceptions.
This is about accountability. The opportunity is here, but it’s on you to take it seriously and follow through.
If you have questions or need clarification, text me directly at 708-214-8582. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and get your hours in. There will be a new Electronic Recycling date added each month.