1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville IL 60540
(630)355-3663 (FOOD)
info@loaves-fishes.org MEET
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Nutrition Programs
Nutrition Advisory Council
"The costs of food insecurity are great. Food insecurity not only affects a child and his or her family, but
is a problem that impacts society economically through a variety of channels. By affecting a child’s health, education, and workforce and job readiness, the impact of child hunger are more far reaching than one
might anticipate.”
from Child Food Insecurity: The Economic Impact on our Nation
Improving the health and well-being of our clients is the long-term goal of Loaves & Fishes,
and the pantry works hard to offer healthy food options according to families’ individual needs. Our
Client Choice model allows families to select food items that they enjoy, and our expanded cooler and freezer space provides the ability to handle an increasing variety of fresh and frozen food options. Clients are encouraged to take advantage of nutrition education sessions that offer menus and ideas for healthy meals.
The Loaves & Fishes Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) was formed over the summer of
2011 to provide a nutrition focus that supports efforts to provide healthy and diverse food options for all our clients. With a client base transcending all ages and diverse cultures, the nutritional considerations
are no small challenge. Our NAC members are a talented and experienced group of professionals who
bring a wealth of knowledge to our community and to Loaves & Fishes:
Toni Havala, MS, RD, LDN Nutrition Consultant, Edward Hospital
Kathleen Browning, MPH FORWARD Initiative, DuPage Health Department
Julie Moreshi, MS, RD, LDN Benedictine University
Kelly Brasseur, MS, RD, LDN Northern Illinois Food Bank
Rich Merrion, DC Naperville Chiropractic
Deb Kwiatt Whole Foods Market
RD – A Registered Dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met specific academic and professional requirements through a program accredited by the American Dietetic Association
LDN – Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
Education is another important part of pantry efforts. Many families need guidance and encouragement in managing a limited budget and meeting their nutrition needs. The NAC will lead efforts
to bring helpful information and dietary recommendations for all ages. Loaves & Fishes works with community educators to find ways to direct our clients toward better nutrition and health choices.
Benedictine University has partnered with Loaves & Fishes to provide Community Education interns
through their “Healthy Table” initiative.
Additionally, Loaves & Fishes is an active member of FORWARD DuPage, a community effort “Fighting Obesity Reaching healthy Weight Among Residents of DuPage.” You can help build the nutrient content of pantry food items by contributing products on our Healthy Choices Food Drive List.
Client Quote:
My name is Suzanne. My husband recently got a pay cut so making ends meet for our four children
(8,7,6 and 3 months) has become more and more difficult, with food going up and money going down.
Some months we have to choose what to pay and what not to.
Coming here has helped us be able to take some of the money we would spend on food and use it to try
and keep a roof over our heads while providing our children with healthy food. We really appreciate all that Loaves & Fishes has done to aid us in providing nutrition for our family.
"The costs of food insecurity are great. Food insecurity not only affects a child and his or her family, but
is a problem that impacts society economically through a variety of channels. By affecting a child’s health, education, and workforce and job readiness, the impact of child hunger are more far reaching than one
might anticipate.”
from Child Food Insecurity: The Economic Impact on our Nation
Improving the health and well-being of our clients is the long-term goal of Loaves & Fishes,
and the pantry works hard to offer healthy food options according to families’ individual needs. Our
Client Choice model allows families to select food items that they enjoy, and our expanded cooler and freezer space provides the ability to handle an increasing variety of fresh and frozen food options. Clients are encouraged to take advantage of nutrition education sessions that offer menus and ideas for healthy meals.
The Loaves & Fishes Nutrition Advisory Council (NAC) was formed over the summer of
2011 to provide a nutrition focus that supports efforts to provide healthy and diverse food options for all our clients. With a client base transcending all ages and diverse cultures, the nutritional considerations
are no small challenge. Our NAC members are a talented and experienced group of professionals who
bring a wealth of knowledge to our community and to Loaves & Fishes:
Toni Havala, MS, RD, LDN Nutrition Consultant, Edward Hospital
Kathleen Browning, MPH FORWARD Initiative, DuPage Health Department
Julie Moreshi, MS, RD, LDN Benedictine University
Kelly Brasseur, MS, RD, LDN Northern Illinois Food Bank
Rich Merrion, DC Naperville Chiropractic
Deb Kwiatt Whole Foods Market
RD – A Registered Dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met specific academic and professional requirements through a program accredited by the American Dietetic Association
LDN – Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist
Education is another important part of pantry efforts. Many families need guidance and encouragement in managing a limited budget and meeting their nutrition needs. The NAC will lead efforts
to bring helpful information and dietary recommendations for all ages. Loaves & Fishes works with community educators to find ways to direct our clients toward better nutrition and health choices.
Benedictine University has partnered with Loaves & Fishes to provide Community Education interns
through their “Healthy Table” initiative.
Additionally, Loaves & Fishes is an active member of FORWARD DuPage, a community effort “Fighting Obesity Reaching healthy Weight Among Residents of DuPage.” You can help build the nutrient content of pantry food items by contributing products on our Healthy Choices Food Drive List.
Client Quote:
My name is Suzanne. My husband recently got a pay cut so making ends meet for our four children
(8,7,6 and 3 months) has become more and more difficult, with food going up and money going down.
Some months we have to choose what to pay and what not to.
Coming here has helped us be able to take some of the money we would spend on food and use it to try
and keep a roof over our heads while providing our children with healthy food. We really appreciate all that Loaves & Fishes has done to aid us in providing nutrition for our family.
