30th Anniversary of Loaves and Fishes

Floor Speech

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Loaves & Fishes 7th annual Day Without Hunger. Over the past thirty years, the Loaves & Fishes team has been committed to providing a hand up to those most in need in DuPage County with food assistance and other services.

This organization has grown exponentially in size and scope in order to realize their vision of ending hunger in DuPage County. In 1984, the year of their founding, the Loaves & Fishes team assisted eight households in the Naperville area, providing them with food to sustain their families. Today, Loaves & Fishes has expanded to serve all of DuPage County, helping thousands of families. Last year alone, Loaves & Fishes distributed over 3,200,000 pounds of food, serving 18,564 individuals.

The Loaves & Fishes team has helped close the gap for children who rely on school food services. Since 2004, they have assisted with school nutrition programs, ensuring that Naperville students get meals during the summer months. Additionally, breakfast assistance programs which they support give students a proper meal to start the school day.

In addition to food assistance, Loaves & Fishes has expanded to do even more to support the community. Since 2011, Loaves & Fishes has supported Pathways to Empowerment programs which provide assistance with various services, from health care enrollment to support in starting a job search.

The Loaves & Fishes team not only provides food for those in need, but they also provide an opportunity for individuals to serve their friends and neighbors by volunteering. Truly, this organization empowers both recipients and volunteers.
Today, I am proud to recognize Loaves & Fishes for the invaluable service the organization has provided and the thousands of lives they have touched.

Source