Stories of Hope

A former client named Yesol reached out recently with a donation for Loaves & Fishes.  She included this beautiful letter.  Her story captures the hope and strength that family and community can provide and the impact it can make in someone’s life.     I was a teenager when my family settled in Naperville in the… Read more »

“They may start to come here for the food, but we have the opportunity — maybe the obligation — to help them in other ways.” – Mike Havala, Loaves & Fishes CEO  

Serving our neighbors and meeting the needs of the community is a vital part of Loaves & Fishes mission. We are proud to announce the opening in Bolingbrook of the Compass Church Food Pantry in Collaboration with Loaves & Fishes Community Services.  

Last year, a client wrote Loaves & Fishes a thank-you letter detailing her gratitude and the dignity and compassion she encountered in our market. Jenny generously agreed to appear in a video to read excerpts from that letter. You can view the video here. Earlier this month, Jenny notified Loaves & Fishes of some incredible… Read more »

Corporate work group volunteer Erasmo Pacheco, Director of Treasury at InvenTrust Properties Corp. knows firsthand how it feels to go without. He shares his personal story of growing up in a strong, loving family that struggled financially, and the lessons learned that he practices today.     Why It’s Important That I Give Back to the Community… Read more »

Eighteen months ago, Loaves & Fishes embarked on a journey to help individuals change their lives. In January of this year we launched our first “Moving UP” session which is a sixteen week program where clients investigate the impact poverty has had on their lives. The goal of the program is to have participants create a… Read more »

A mother shares her heartfelt feelings about her experience in the market at Loaves & Fishes.

Another load of fresh produce has made its way to the Loaves and Fishes market, something that happens nearly everyday thanks to their food rescue program.

Nick and Lacey share their stories of hope.

I moved here from Lithuania for better life. I lived here five years. I feel I’m working so hard all my life. I can’t get nursing certificate here. I love to help people. I love to learn. I love to work. I moved here and start from scratch. I work two jobs but still not… Read more »