Free Meals in Chicago
On the first Wednesday of every month, the doors open at Smack Dab and something powerful happens.
Free Monthly Community Meal
No tickets. No requirements. No questions asked.
Just food. Community. Care.
Our monthly Community Meal is our commitment to showing up for Chicago in a real and tangible way. Every single month, we serve approximately 250 free meals to anyone who walks through the door–and every person can snag up to ten meals to give away or freeze for later. First come. First served. Always welcome.
Over 20,000 Meals Given Away.
Smack Dab has been part of this neighborhood for 10 years. In that time, we have given away over 20,000 free meals and redistributed over $80,000 in cash donated back to the community.
The Community Meal program is one of the ways we live that commitment.
Here is what that looks like:
Free community dinner on the first Wednesday of every month
Approximately 250 meals served each time
Open to anyone in Chicago
Optional donations accepted but never required
Volunteers welcome
Food insecurity is real in Chicago. Isolation is real. Rising costs are real. A lovingly made and healthful meal can make someone’s entire week. If you are searching for free meals in Chicago, we are here!
A Program Powered by Community
The Community Meal is funded through Smack Dab’s Community Fund. That community fund is fed through brunch service revenue, catering, and private event revenue, as well as individual donations
If corporations are interested in sponsoring a future Community Meal, we are open to building that partnership. This work does not happen alone. It happens because people decide it matters.