What's New

What’s in Your Diet?

National Geographic gives us a wonderful view of the world from the 50,000 feet perspective, and consumption patterns described here are particularly interesting. The diagrams are a startling depiction of what everybody has suspected for some time now: we are eating far too many foods containing fats and sugars. If that is true in most… Read more »


National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week on Fox 32 Chicago

Charles McLimans, Loaves & Fishes President & CEO, was invited to speak to Corey McPherrin and Darlene Hill on Fox 32 Chicago about suburban poverty and how Loaves & Fishes is reducing it thanks to our incredible supporters. FOX 32 News Chicago


The Battle for Employment

What is the true unemployment rate in Illinois? Are you accounted for in the true unemployment number? According to recent reports, the Illinois working-age population has grown by nearly 300,000 since the recession; however the Illinois workforce has shrunk 226,000 over the same period. This indicates there’s a gap of more than 500,000 working-age Illinoisans… Read more »


Campaign Makes Program Evolution Possible

The Power of Community Campaign was created to help Loaves & Fishes achieve the goals set forth in our strategic plan, including programmatic growth. Thanks to our community’s support to date, Loaves & Fishes is piloting the Client Engagement Model, which will benefit more low-income families by focusing on food, prevention, education and wellness. What… Read more »


Suburban Poverty on the Rise

According to a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the official poverty rate decreased between 2012 and 2013; however, the Census Bureau explains that the number in poverty in 2013 was not statistically different from 2012. What does this mean for Americans currently facing financial barriers, though, and more importantly, what can be done… Read more »


Dumpster Dive Deliciousness

The first three facts listed in Rob Greenfield’s Huffington Post article, “The Food Waste Fiasco: You Have to See It to Believe it,” are jaw-drop worthy enough… We throw away 165 billion dollars worth of food per year in America. About 50 million of our 317 million Americans are food insecure yet we produce enough… Read more »


Fresh Take: Summer Intern Shares his Perspective

This summer, Loaves & Fishes welcomed Morrel Francis to the team to learn about the different facets of a non-profit organization. Morrel, who is now a senior at Naperville North High School, was an eager student and provided excellent feedback and insight as he worked with staff. We are excited to see what the future… Read more »


What can you eat with $4 a day?

Where would you begin if you only had $4 to spend on a day’s worth of meals? Recent online articles have showcased this emerging dilemma that many individuals and families are facing on a daily basis. For instance, in “The Percentage Of Americans Who Can’t Afford Food Hasn’t Budged Since The Recession Peaked,” Hunter Stuart,… Read more »


Picnicking in the Park: Our Volunteers Rock!

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Between July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014, 1,561 volunteers donated 85,686 hours – the equivalent of 41 full-time employees! This hard work had to be celebrated, so we gathered at the Naperville Grand Pavilion with nearly 300 volunteers to enjoy music (from Belgio’s), food (from Gregg Eisel), and some fun yard games. Shelly Schmitz,… Read more »


How can we stop child hunger?

I have been having trouble with bills and such since I was laid off and Loaves & Fishes has helped me a lot in being able to provide food for my three children. It has been so helpful and everyone is so nice. I am diligently trying to find a job and I would love… Read more »