Food Assistance & Nutrition
We believe that food is a right and not a privilege. Food insecurity is a public health concern having a medical, educational, and economic impact on our community. By actively reducing food insecurity, we are improving the health of our community for all of us.
We are primarily serving all of Naperville, Aurora, DuPage County, and parts of Will County.
Grocery Assistance
In response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, Loaves & Fishes has modified its food distribution model to limit the possible transmission of the virus and keep you safe, while at the same time ensuring you get the food you need to feed yourself and your family. We are able to provide healthy and generous pre-selected boxes of produce, dairy, meat, and grains/dry goods. Boxes are available at our distribution weekly. See distribution hours and instructions here.
We promise to:
- Offer items from each of the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein)
- Have a nutrition policy for purchasing and providing a healthy food balance
- Encourage and educate clients on healthy eating lifestyles
We understand.
Not having enough food can be scary, and finding resources can be hard. We’re here to help.
We are primarily serving all of Naperville, Aurora, all of DuPage County and parts of Will County.
To qualify for food assistance, a household’s gross monthly income must be within the guidelines. The Emergency Food Program-Income Eligibility Guidelines
How to Enroll/Register
REGISTER FOR A LOAVES & FISHES CARD
Loaves & Fishes is providing online registration as a convenience to visitors who would like to use our curbside service to pick up food. After filling out the form below, a card will be emailed to you to make client check-in quick and easy every time you come. To receive a permanent card and register for any additional programs, please plan to visit Loaves & Fishes and bring in your picture ID and proof of residency. The lobby will be open for registration during food distribution hours.
Food is offered once every 7 days to all registered households.
Distribution Instructions
During COVID, our market is closed. Pleases see our distribution model for how to receive your groceries weekly and distribution hours.
Find Additional Food Pantries Serving Your Community
Home Delivery Program
We currently deliver to a limited service area to home-bound seniors without transportation.
- Martin Avenue Apartments
- Ogden Manor Apartments
- Charles Court
- Katherine Manor
- Maple Court
If you have questions and reside in one of these communities, please call our office at (630) 355-3663.
Nutrition Programs
Our Promise:
- Offer items from each of the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein)
- Have a nutrition policy for purchasing or obtaining a healthy food balance
- Encourage and educate clients on healthy eating lifestyles
Nutrition Education Classes
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Join us from the comfort of your home via zoom on your phone, tablet, or computer for a free healthy eating class from the University of Illinois Extension! Receive an additional produce box from Loaves & Fishes along with each class you attend.
Class dates 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month in February, March & April at 6 pm on zoom. Free gift to individuals attending 2 or more sessions.
- 2/4 – Lesson #1 What is Healthy Food? How Can You Afford it
- 2/18 -Lesson #2 – Smart shopping for fruits & vegetables
- 3/4 – Lesson #4 Healthy Snacks you can afford
- 3/18 – Lesson #6 Making choices between food wants and food needs
- 4/1 – Lesson #10 Meal Planning to make life simpler
- 4/15 – Lesson #12 Food shopping strategies to save money
To Register or for more information, contact Jane Macdonald at programs@loaves-fishes.org or call 630-355-3663 X106
You will receive the zoom link for the class once you have registered
If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please contact:
Cindy Glavin l 217-244-2262 l cglavin@illinois.edu
SMART CHECK
Grocery items on our easy-to-find Smart Check shelves are nutritionally screened for individuals who desire items higher in fiber and lower in sugars, sodium, and saturated fats.
INFANT CARE
Our Infant Care package provides infant formula, baby foods, and diapers for children under 12 months of age; a birth certificate is required for enrollment.
CHILD NUTRITION
Families with children ages 1 to 18 are offered additional nutrition to meet the needs of growth and development. Supplements include breakfast and lunch meal bags, milk, eggs, and fresh items for snacking.
DIABETES PREVENTION DROP-IN CLINIC
Please join Loaves & Fishes for free educational sessions on diabetes prevention and health management, sponsored by Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy, American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists. Sessions are offered monthly, at 4:30 pm, and are open to the community. Free blood pressure screening and blood glucose testing are available.
Shopping Hours
Food Distribution Hours
Naperville
1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville. IL
Tuesday: 8:30am-12pm
Thursday: 8:30am-12pm & 4:30-6:30pm
Saturday : 7:30-11:30am
(Primarily serving all of Naperville, Aurora, all of DuPage Co., and parts of Will County)
Compass Church, Bolingbrook
151 E. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL
Wednesday: 4-6pm
(for zip codes 60440, 60490, and 6044
Loaves & Fishes registration card or ID required
You may come every 7 days
The Emergency Food Program-Income Eligibility Guidelines
Loaves & Fishes is providing online registration as a convenience to visitors who would like to use our curbside service to pick up food. After filling out the form below, a card will be emailed to you to make client check in quick and easy every time you come. To receive a permanent card and register for any additional programs, please plan to visit Loaves & Fishes and bring in your picture ID and proof of residency. The lobby will be open for registration during food distribution hours.
Food is offered once every 7 days to all registered households.
PLEASE SEE THE DOCUMENT ON THE DISTRIBUTION MODEL AND COVID-19 POLICY.