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.


