Hunger Facts

Hunger Vital Sign Update

Not long ago, in the Fall issue of SHARE, we introduced you to a new screening tool, the Hunger Vital Sign™, that we think holds great value to our community. The Hunger Vital Sign™ can help us spot families at risk for food insecurity, a serious enemy of public health. Loaves & Fishes has been… Read more »


Decking the Halls with Health Research

Yes, it’s the season to eat your way through plates of Christmas cookies, and laugh out loud at the ugly Christmas sweaters. I personally think it’s just fine, even important, to set aside some of our dietary convictions and enjoy the festivities – with all the cookies and desserts they bring. I always make a… Read more »


As Good As Gold?

Maybe it’s just the time of year that makes me reflect a little on the cycle of life and those of us who are now classified as “older adults.” Fall is a favorite season for me, but not so much for those who might be facing the challenges of their golden years with not much… Read more »


The Power of Community

The western suburbs of Chicago are increasingly becoming home to low-income families in search of safer neighborhoods, better schools, and affordable housing; yet, they are finding that a lack of employment opportunities and public transit are blocking their path to self-sufficiency. With the help of Loaves & Fishes, these families are connected to the resources… Read more »


How Can You Help End Child Hunger?

When I retired I chose to volunteer at Loaves & Fishes because of the impact I knew it had in our community. After 25 years of teaching, it was evident to me that poor nutrition and hunger were often obstacles to a child’s success at school. When a 12 year old is hungry, all that… Read more »


Jackson National Takes Action Against Child Hunger

Loaves & Fishes’ Child Nutrition Initiative has been a crucial part of our hunger-relief efforts since 2004, when it was launched to supplement the loss of school-provided lunches for students during the summer months. As the need in our community increased, the initiative expanded in 2005 to provide breakfast foods for students during the school… Read more »


“Hunger Hits Home” Panel Considers Work Ahead

In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Jump for Food hosted “Hunger Hits Home,” a panel discussion on hunger and poverty in the western suburbs on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Benedictine University. Congressman, Bill Foster, provided opening remarks and commended the organizations present for their daily work serving and empowering food insecure families. The panelists… Read more »


Produce of the Week: Cauliflower

Fresh cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C; 100 g provides about 80% of daily recommended value! What color do you like your cauliflower? #cauliflower #produceoftheweek #food #fooddaily #foodie #cook #cooking #nutrition #healthy #health #yum A photo posted by Loaves & Fishes (@loavesfishes1984) on Aug 29, 2015 at 12:54pm PDT


“People Helping People” Philosophy Stocks the Shelves of Loaves & Fishes

Hunger doesn’t take a “summer vacation.” That’s why employees of the Naperville-based Illinois Credit Union System (ICUS) significantly increased their efforts during their annual summer food drive for Loaves & Fishes. As a result, they donated more than 1,100 pounds of food to help feed our hungry neighbors. ICUS employees collected our most needed items,… Read more »


Let’s Screen and Intervene

Loaves & Fishes was fortunate to have members of the Smile Squad visit our facility recently, a mobile dental clinic that travels from place to place in DuPage County offering general dental checkups to at-risk children. One of our visitors on Smile Squad day was a mother with a 5 year old boy. She was… Read more »