Loaves & Fishes: Addressing Hunger in Naperville
In a recent episode of Living in Naperville, Realtor Dan Firks had the privilege of visiting Loaves & Fishes and speaking with Nancy Wiemann, a key figure at the organization. Naperville, a thriving suburban community known for its beautiful neighborhoods and vibrant downtown, is also home to an inspiring organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity and supporting those in need.
Loaves & Fishes, Naperville’s local food pantry, has been serving the community for 40 years, and its impact has been nothing short of remarkable. During their conversation, Nancy shared the incredible journey of Loaves & Fishes, which began in a local church and has grown to serve over 9,000 people weekly.
The Evolution of Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes started modestly, serving just eight families in its first year. Over the decades, as the community’s needs grew, so did the organization. They moved from their initial church location to Fifth Avenue and eventually opened a dedicated facility in Naperville in 2011. The demand for their services continued to increase, leading to the opening of a Food Distribution Hub in Aurora two and a half years ago. This expansion has allowed them to better serve the growing number of individuals and families facing food insecurity in the area.
Meeting the Needs of the Community
One of Loaves & Fishes' hallmarks is its commitment to providing healthy food options. Nancy emphasized that the organization focuses on offering lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables—items that are essential for a balanced diet and are in high demand among its clients. Loaves & Fishes prioritizes healthy food not only because it is better for the community but also because it is what its clients prefer.
Loaves & Fishes relies on a variety of channels to source this food. Approximately 60% of their food comes from grocery partners through a process known as food rescue. They also receive food from government programs, purchase strategically from local suppliers, and benefit from the community’s generosity. However, the food supply has struggled to keep pace with the increasing number of people in need. Loaves & Fishes has established a food supply task force to explore every possible avenue to secure additional food resources.
Beyond Food: Comprehensive Support Services
While food distribution is at the heart of Loaves & Fishes, the organization offers much more. Their CARES programs provide services designed to help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. These services include rental assistance to prevent evictions, emergency utility assistance, a car donation program, health screenings, legal assistance, and help connecting clients with public benefits. The goal is not only to meet the immediate needs of their clients but also to empower them to achieve long-term stability.
How the Naperville Community Can Help
Loaves & Fishes thrives on the community's support. During the summer months, when gardens bloom, Nancy encourages residents to donate homegrown produce. These fresh vegetables harvested straight from local gardens are a valuable addition to the pantry’s offerings. Community members can drop off their donations at the Naperville building; every contribution makes a difference.
As someone who has volunteered at Loaves & Fishes for 12 years, Dan Firks can attest to the organization’s profound impact on the community. From providing essential food supplies to offering comprehensive support services, Loaves & Fishes is a lifeline for many in the area. The dedication of volunteers, staff, and the broader community is what makes it all possible.
In closing, Dan thanked Nancy and the entire Loaves & Fishes team for their tireless efforts. The organization’s commitment to going above and beyond in serving those in need is truly inspiring.
If you'd like to learn more about Loaves & Fishes or get involved, visit their website or stop by their Naperville location. Together, we can continue to support this vital organization and help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.
To learn more about living in Naperville, Illinois, connect with Dan Firks and Naper ville.com.
