32.4 F
Naperville
Friday, March 29, 2024

Healthy Food and Summer Needs

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A key part of our new Strategic Plan is to promote overall health and self-sufficiency for our clients. This is important and necessary because one in five people in DuPage County are in low income/poverty situations.

When families face these circumstances, the lack of adequate resources often results in “food insecurity” (not having enough food to live a normal healthy life). Food insecurity leads to chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even cancer. The cycle of poverty is even more difficult to break when health issues exist.

The good news is that our clients overwhelmingly want to be healthy. They want to provide healthy food for their families. Unfortunately this is challenging, as healthy food – especially perishables such as fresh produce and dairy – tend to be expensive.

Our goal at Loaves & Fishes is to provide people in need with the same quantity and quality of healthy food that most others have access to. We have a new nutrition policy which requires that we provide a higher percentage of healthy foods and completely eliminates some unhealthy foods from our shelves. Serving with dignity demands that we give our clients the opportunity to live a normal healthy life.

Summer is a critical time. With children out of school and no access to school lunch and breakfast programs, there is a further burden on struggling families. We can make a lasting impact on these families by making sure they have adequate healthy food for both their immediate needs and for their long-term health. Having a sufficient supply of healthy foods also engrains healthy eating habits in children, and therefore has a multi-generational impact. We appreciate the support of our community to help address the needs of its families. A community that supports the health of its people is a strong community.


Editor’s Note / Loaves & Fishes Community Services will host its Night to End Hunger at Elements at Water Street in Naperville from 6:30PM to 11PM on Fri., Sept. 6, 2019, in celebration of serving the community for 35 years. Guests attending this signature event will enjoy dinner, cocktails, live entertainment, the opportunity to bid on fabulous auction items and wine packages, and many inspiring mission moments. More than 225 guests will gather to raise funds in support of those who seek relief from hunger and poverty. Each week Loaves & Fishes serves more than 800 families in the grocery market.

For more information and tickets, visit www.loaves-fishes.org/night-to-end-hunger/. Seating is limited for this exclusive event. There is a special opportunity to extend a 35th anniversary greeting atbit.ly/LoavesFishes35th which will be included in the event program, website, PowerPoint, and keepsake 35th Anniversary booklet. 

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Mike Havala
Mike Havalahttp://www.loaves-fishes.org
Mike Havala is the CEO and President of Loaves & Fishes Community Services. Contact him at mhavala@loaves-fishes.org or visit www.loaves-fishes.org.

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