Programs

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 »


The Art of Conversation

I recently cracked open a fortune cookie to find my personal fortune, “The world will soon be ready to receive your talents.” Pondering this, I wondered why the world wasn’t ready for my “talents” earlier in my life. Sure, my position at Loaves & Fishes as the Donor Relations Officer has created new opportunities, but… 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 »


Walmart Foundation Gives Back Big

The Walmart Foundation has donated $50,000 to Loaves & Fishes to help us reduce hunger in our community. Brian Bolliger, Loaves & Fishes’ Board Member, and LaVerne Mathews, Director of Advancement, were presented with a check from Greg Szarzynski, Walmart Store Manager, as part of the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program, which supports organizations that… 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 »


United Way Pledges $91,400 to Change the Story

We are so excited to partner with @unitedwaychi for another year! They granted us $91,400 so we can #changethestory together! #give #advocate #volunteer #chicago #nonprofit #giveback #safetynet #poverty #unitedway #liveunited A photo posted by Loaves & Fishes (@loavesfishes1984) on Aug 12, 2015 at 6:44pm PDT


Variety Makes Loaves & Fishes Go Round

When I joined Loaves & Fishes, I marveled at the commitment, loyalty and diversity of volunteer manpower. Each day was more inspiring than the day before as I would learn the stories of our long term volunteers: the couple who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by starting the day volunteering the volunteers I see four… Read more »


Magnetrol Makes a Difference

Our friends @MagnetrolGlobal donated $250 and volunteered in our grocery market! #CSR #business #leadership #giveback pic.twitter.com/I8ZIihVtsB — Loaves & Fishes (@loaves_fishes) August 6, 2015


The Return to College Ritual

The summer is passing by way too quickly. It seems like we just moved our daughter’s “stuff” home from college and she is already preparing her list of additional “stuff” to bring back to college! It was easier when her school supply list consisted of 8 markers, 4 glue sticks, 10 No. 2 pencils, 4… Read more »