Joliet Hope Center - Joliet, Illinois

Jeff N.

I pray that the Hope Center reads this review and takes what I am going to say into consideration. I have been going to this establishment for many years now. I couldn't believe how great the prices were, even if most of the food is close to expiration or just recently expired. It was still a great deal because most food is still good and some dates are not an expiration but a best by date. Fresh meats, dairy, an poultry are items to be leery of. I have noticed that many of the prices have been increased drastically. Some to the point of actually being higher than the grocery store. Selling close to expired, or expired food, I would expect the prices to be at most 50% of the original cost. I mentioned this to a couple workers and they said they just go off the internet prices and deduct 20%. I also brought up to one worker that their little 5/$1 Baked Cheetos were almost a year past their best by date (dated Nov 2023!) and he just said "well you get what you get!"(rude). when I go now, I actually search my local Jewel sales and Aldi prices on my phone before purchasing. I am also seeing this more and more with other customers in the Hope Center. Last time I was there, I had a very lengthy conversation with another customer and we were going around comparing prices on items. I used to walk out of there spending $200 or more at times. Lately I'm lucky if I spend $20-$30. Below are VERY recent examples of price differences:

Hope Center:
Glucerna - $1.50 a bottle = $18 - 12 pack
Walmart:
Glucerna - $23 - 12 pack BUT you can get:
Equate (Walmart Glucerna) $17 - 12 pack

Hope Center:
Butter sticks lb. - $4
Aldi:
Butter Sticks lb. - $3-$4 consistently

Hope Center:
Cereal Box (Post, General Mills, etc) - $2
Jewel Sale:
Cereal Box (General mills) - $1.88

Hope Center:
Peanut Butter 16 oz - $3
Jewel Sale:
Peanut Butter - 2/$5 ($2.50 ea.)

Hope Center:
Cheese 8 oz block - $2 - $2.50
Cheese 8 oz sliced package - $2 - $2.50
Aldi:
Cheese 8 oz. slices - $1.69 - $1.99 consistently
Cheese 8 oz. block - $1.69 - $1.99 consistently

Hope Center:
Heinz Ketchup 32 oz. - $4
Jewel Sale:
Heinz Ketchup 32 oz. - $4.49

Hope Center
Granola Bars - $2 box
Jewel Sale:
Granola Bars - $1.88

Hope Center:
Coke Spiced 12 pk. $5
Jewel Sale:
Coke 12 pk. - $3.99 (buy 4)

The Jewel sale is either the current ad from this week, or last week's ad used for comparison. I understand that there are a couple prices I listed that are the same or a bit lower at the Hope Center, BUT the store prices are not for expired food. I still go to the Hope Center. Some of their prices are still decent. The free yogurt, produce, and bread helps as well. I just hope that someone from the center reads this and takes into consideration the review and does some adjusting.

God Bless,
Jeff

I'm downgrading my review from 2 stars to 1. I questioned them an I was told they can't compete with sale prices from Jewel!!!! Really!!!! Jewel current ad has cereal for $1.88 a box! This place is $2 expired by 6 months to a year+! This place should be shut down! They sell dairy products a year past the expiration dates...NOT BEST BY DATES! DANGEROUS PRACTICES! THEIR DAIRY CASES STINK OF RANCID FOOD!!!!

UPDATE:
10-29-24 HOPE CENTER MARUCHAN INSTANT LUNCH NOODLE CUPS ARE .75 CENTS AND $9 FOR A 12 PACK!!!!!!!!
WALMART SELLS THEM FOR .52 CENTS AND $5.16 FOR A 12 PACK!!!!!

Andrea K.

Great little place! I think it's a great resource for everyone, especially in times like today when you gotta stretch the family budget. Food varies often, so if you like something, stock up! It costs $5 a year to sign up, and you can add members to your membership. Check in at the front desk each time you come here to get your ticket and then hand that ticket to the cashier when you check out. Some items sold here are expired, but they are allowed to do that as long as the items are safe to eat. So, if you are picky about that, check each item before you purchase it. Another nice thing about this place is they let you choose 10 free items per $25 you spend if you show your receipt, and after check-out, you can take as much bread as you need and its free! We stock up and freeze it - they sometimes have panera bagels! Lastly, if you are in need of prayers, there is a special room there, and someone can help you with that as well. We just love this little place. It's honestly a gem of hope and kindness in this crazy world.

April T.

Found this place online while searching, I used to go to a similar place in Bolingbrook but they closed down and google suggested this place. They are a Food Ministry where they sell affordable food items and such. Most items are close to expiry/best by/sell by dates hence the affordability, and some are past their due date but still its good. No return, no exchange policy which is understandable. They will give you freebies if you spend more than $25 and free unlimited breads and produce on your way out. Although you will not get everything from your grocery list here because their inventory changes all the time, you can still find something good and half the price than most stores. Just take your time browsing. I drove 33 miles to get here and it’s worth it in my opinion. Spent almost $60. The staff are very friendly and accommodating, they even offer to pray for you! Im glad the Lord led me to this place, It feels good bringing groceries home to your Family knowing you did not went over your grocery budget and still manage to get those you considered “luxury items” you don’t normally buy. God Bless this place! Hope they stay open for a long time!

Joseph W.

A great discount grocery store that is focused on Christian based community outreach. A small initial registration donation will provide great opportunities to both you and the community.

Emily H.

I absolutely love coming here to collect the food for the community. Marilou is amazing.

Laurie D. L. R.

Great resource for anyone! Huge markdowns on some stuff. Stretch that family food budget and they have a lot of vitamins and personal items and clothes and toys. Varies daily.

Beefy B.

Good food and drinks for the price. Some of it is expired but others are still good to eat. People are always friendly. Spend $25 and get good a gift at the end.

Trisha A.

Beautiful, fully stocked Food ministry. Only $5/year to be a member.