Last updated 4 days ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.
Access to essential hygiene products remains a challenge for many families in Cook County. Whether you need diapers, period products, toiletries, or adult incontinence supplies, several community organizations provide these necessities at no cost. This guide connects you with local resources that offer free hygiene products throughout Cook County.
Understanding Hygiene Poverty in Cook County
1 in 2 Chicagoland families struggles to afford diapers. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 23 percent of children under the age of three live below the federal poverty line in Illinois. Families face difficult daily choices between paying rent, buying food, or purchasing essential hygiene items.
The cost of hygiene products is significant. Diapers can cost an average family $70 to $80 per month per child, which is equal to about 14% of the monthly income of families experiencing poverty. Similarly, For the 1 in 4 women who struggles with period poverty, those days are stressful, unsanitary and financially draining.
Where to Find Free Hygiene Products
Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Share Our Spare Partnership
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has partnered with Share Our Spare to distribute free hygiene products through their network of food pantries. We’ve partnered with Share Our Spare to deliver diapers for free, free pull-ups and wipes to food pantries across our Cook County network of partners.
To find free products:
- Visit chicagosfoodbank.org and use their food map
- Visit our map and select “Diaper distribution” under the “More” filter to find a pantry near you giving away free diapers.
- Additional food pantries and programs not participating in the Share Our Spare partnership may also have free diapers and wipes available.
- Call your local food pantry before visiting to confirm availability
Share Our Spare
Location: 3800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641 Phone: 773-657-3117
Share Our Spare is a community resource of essentials, education and advocacy for families living in poverty and the agencies that serve them. The organization works with 10,000 children of families from 35 social service agencies.
Items available:
- Diapers and wipes
- Baby supplies
- Clothing
- Books and toys
- Essential hygiene items
Drop-off hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays and some weekends at 935 W. Chestnut
Diaper Bank of Chicago
The Diaper Bank of Chicago is the only nonprofit in the city focused solely on diaper need. Their mission is to promote health and wellbeing by providing free diapers and family support services through collaborative partnerships.
Visit diaperchicago.org to find distribution partners.
Catholic Charities’ Diaper Depot
Catholic Charities operates the Diaper Depot, which serves families throughout Cook County and Lake County. Of the more than 400,000 children under age 3 in Illinois, half are in diaper need. The organization relies on donations and partnerships with parishes.
Since the Diaper Depot is volunteer driven, 100% of any funds donated for diaper need go directly to purchasing diapers. They receive bulk purchasing discounts through the National Diaper Bank Network.
Keeping Families Covered
While primarily serving Lake and McHenry counties, this organization occasionally extends services to Cook County residents.
Products available:
- we distribute disposable diapers (babies, toddlers, youth), adult briefs, and incontinence products through our two diaper banks and mobile pantry.
- As a member of the Alliance for Period Supplies, we also distribute period supplies (pads, liners, tampons).
Visit keepingfamiliescovered.org for more information.
Free Period Products in Cook County
Educational Institutions
HB 641 requires all public universities and community colleges across the state to provide free feminine hygiene products in campus bathrooms. Students and staff at these institutions can access free products in all bathrooms across campus.
Homeless Shelters
HB 310, the Feminine Hygiene Products for the Homeless Act, requires all homeless shelters granting temporary housing assistance to women and youth to provide products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, and panty liners free of charge. This law went into effect January 1, 2022.
An estimated 8,550 people ages 13-50 who identify as female spent at least one night in a shelter during fiscal year 2019. While organizations like The Night Ministry have been providing these products for decades, the new law ensures access across all shelters.
Community Organizations
Cycle Forward
Organizations partnering with Cycle Forward include:
- Support the Girls, Chicago, a Chicago-based organization that helps at-risk women by providing them with bras and feminine hygiene products.
- The Night Ministry, based in Chicago, is an organization that serves members of the community struggling with poverty or homelessness.
- EZRA Food & Hygiene Pantry, part of the Greater Chicago Food Depository network
Visit cycleforwardnow.org for more information.
Medical Insurance Coverage for Incontinence Products
Illinois Medicaid Coverage
As an Illinois Medicaid recipient, you may qualify to receive incontinence products and supplies at no cost to you. Adults and children age 4 and older may qualify.
Covered products include:
- Briefs (adult diapers). Disposable underpads. Bladder control pads.
- Pull-ups
- Protective underwear
- Booster pads
Requirements:
- A qualifying disability or medical condition that causes incontinence and is diagnosed by a healthcare professional, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy (CP), autism, etc.
- Medical documentation from your healthcare provider
- Monthly usage estimates
Contact providers like Aeroflow Urology (check eligibility at aeroflowurology.com) to start the process.
Local Diaper Banks for Insurance-Ineligible Residents
If you or a loved one has incontinence and you don’t qualify for incontinence products through Medicaid, you may be able to go to your local diaper bank or a diaper drive to get free products.
Options include:
- Diaper Bank of Northern Illinois
- Diaper Bank of Southern Illinois
- Catholic Charities’ Diaper Depot
- Greater Chicago Food Depository network
How to Access Free Hygiene Products
Finding Resources Near You
- Use the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s Map
- Visit chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food
- Filter for “Diaper distribution” locations
- Call ahead to confirm availability
- Contact 211 If you are in need of period products, we recommend that you reach out to 211 by either visiting their website at 211.org or calling 2-1-1.
Search keywords:
- Feminine hygiene products
- Personal hygiene items
- Sanitary napkins
- Period supplies
- Tampons
- Diapers
- Check Local Faith-Based Organizations You may also want to contact local faith-based organizations and food banks for assistance.
What to Bring
Many organizations require:
- Photo ID
- Proof of residency in Cook County
- Information about household size
- For medical supplies: diagnosis documentation from healthcare provider
Emergency Assistance
SNAP and WIC Program Expansion
While SNAP benefits traditionally couldn’t be used for hygiene products, Administration Supports Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Customers Using Benefits to Purchase Diapers or Menstrual Hygiene Products. The Illinois Department of Human Services is working on expanding these programs to cover hygiene items.
Crisis Assistance
For immediate needs, contact:
- Cook County Crisis Center: 3-1-1 or 312-744-5000
- Illinois Department of Human Services: Apply for crisis assistance at illinois.gov
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Help support hygiene equity in Cook County:
Host a Donation Drive
Organizations that accept donations:
- Share Our Spare: Donation drop-off hours at 3800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
- Keeping Families Covered: Schedule an appointment online by clicking on the button below and we’ll pick them up for a $25.00 donation. We also have a bin outside of our office for after-hours donations.
- Local food pantries through Greater Chicago Food Depository
Items needed:
- Disposable diapers (all sizes)
- Period products (pads, tampons, liners)
- Adult incontinence products
- Baby wipes
- Personal care items
Volunteer
Whether you’re a large organization, family or a single individual, we are always in need of volunteers (ages 6+) to lend a helping hand. Contact organizations directly to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Improving Access
Cook County continues to address hygiene poverty through legislation and community initiatives. The Illinois Diaper Bank Coalition, which is made up of seven essential needs nonprofits across the state, with the aim of bringing awareness to unmet diaper need and advocating for children’s essential needs.
These collective efforts ensure that essential hygiene products remain accessible to all Cook County residents who need them. Remember, “Feminine hygiene products are a necessity. They’re as much of a necessity as giving you a meal, a roof over your head, a bed.”
For the most current information and locations, always contact organizations directly or use their online tools to find distribution sites near you.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice.
