First wednesday food drive

Overview & Mission

The First Wednesday Food Drive is an initiative sponsored by the North Center Neighbors Association and our Compassion in Action (CIA) Committee. Food is a fundamental human right—just like air and water—yet hunger and food insecurity remain widespread in our community.


Through this monthly effort, neighbors can be part of the solution by donating to our friends at Common Pantry, who continue to provide food and vital social services to more people than ever.


With our partnership with Common Pantry, we organize convenient drop-off porches on the first Wednesday of each month, making it easy for neighbors to donate food and essentials to those in need. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve helped Common Pantry serve more than 10,000 households and counting.


Support the Compassion in Action's January FWFD!

Consider donating to the Compassion in Action Committee's (CIA) First Wednesday Food Drive (FWFD) which proudly supports Common Pantry, a nonprofit dedicated to helping neighbors facing food insecurity. Each month, Common Pantry provides nourishing groceries, essential household items, and access to vital social services to more than 1,100 households.

Together, we can help keep their shelves stocked and make a meaningful difference in our community. TIA❤️


Along with the Item of the Month, the following items are also needed: sugar, flour, olive & cooking oil, spices, ground coffee, cereal (whole grain, less sugar varieties), canned fruit, jar spaghetti sauce (low sodium) and dry pasta, whole grain crackers, soup, rice, easy prep meals (i.e., Hamburger Helper (low sodium or whole grain varieties, if possible), peanut butter, jelly/jam, cleaning supplies and laundry detergent, and sandwich-size zip-lock bags.

Personal care items are in high demand. Donations of full-size bottles of shampoo, shaving cream, soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, and toothbrushes, as well as deodorant, feminine hygiene products, diapers (in both baby and adult sizes), and toilet paper are always appreciated.


Common Pantry is very grateful for the monthly donations from the FWFD, which help fill their shelves with essential items for those in need
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community. ❤️

Donation Dates

January - December 31st through January 7th


February - January 28th through February 4th


March - February 25th through March 1st


April - April 1st through April 6th *Dates changed due to spring break


May - April 27th through May 3rd


June - May 29th through June 4th


July - June 24th through July 1st


August - July 29th through August 5th


September - August 26th through September 2nd


October - September 30th through October 7th


November - October 28th through November 4th


December - December 2nd through December 9th *Dates changed due to the Thanksgiving holiday

Donation Drop Off Porches

You may drop off your items on the front porch of one of the following addresses, and the CIA committee will arrange to bring the food to Common Pantry.

january PORches

Neighbor Porch Location
K. Catalanotte 2456 W. Pensacola
M. Furlong 2024 W. Bradley
B. Katubig 1929 W. Belle Plaine
C. Bregitzer 1928 W. Bradley
S. Reed 2104 W. Bradley
M. Schwartz 3823 N. Hoyne
E. Friend 4127 N. Claremont
B. Harman 4115 N. Maplewood

Common Pantry


To learn more about Common Pantry or if you prefer to make a monetary donation, please visit them here