After several years of planning, all of us at Loaves & Fishes are excited to introduce our new initiative “Building for Lasting Impact.” The project will make it possible for us to serve nearly three times the number of families in need, expand our geographic service area, increase the amount of healthy food offered, and provide several ways for clients to receive food. The cornerstone of the project is the acquisition of an additional building that brings our hub and spoke model to life. This building, which will serve as the hub, is in Aurora just 1.3 miles from our current facility in Naperville.
The hub is where millions of pounds of food a year will be received, sorted, and processed. A key feature will be a very large cooler and freezer which can accommodate a forklift. The spokes will include our grocery market (which will remain in our current facility), satellite pantries, and senior home deliveries. We’re making a few changes to the building but expect that it will be fully operational by June of 2021.
To support this project, we are inviting the community to purchase Building Blocks. These figurative blocks will provide valuable support for the project and are offered at several giving levels beginning at $500. Anyone who purchases a building block will have their name displayed on their block on the Wall of Lasting Impact.
In the past year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of families needing help. The economic impact of the pandemic will be with us for a long time and is especially difficult for our clients. Building for Lasting Impact is a vital next step as we work to help the most people possible. Your building block will play an important role in building healthy futures and result in a lasting impact for generations to come.
