HR0746 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0746 LRB103 40467 ECR 72844 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Loaves & Fishes Community Services of Naperville as it commemorates four decades of unwavering dedication and impactful service to its community; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings in 1984, sparked by a group of compassionate members from St. Raphael Catholic Church who served eight families struggling with food insecurity, Loaves & Fishes Community Services (Loaves & Fishes) has now evolved into the largest food pantry in Illinois and into a beacon of hope, providing nourishment and assistance to over 9,000 individuals each week across DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties; and

WHEREAS, Loaves & Fishes has operated from a closet in St. Raphael Catholic Church, in a trailer located on 5th Avenue in Naperville, and at its current flagship building in Naperville; the organization has a 30,000 square foot food distribution hub in Aurora and numerous sites for food distribution; and

WHEREAS, Loaves & Fishes went from serving a few cans of food to serving more than 15 tons of healthy food each distribution day, supporting the overall health of clients and the growth and development of children; and

WHEREAS, Through the dedication and tireless efforts of its board, staff, donors, and hundreds of volunteers, Loaves & Fishes has provided access to healthy food and impactful programs to empower struggling families towards self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, In addition to grocery assistance, Loaves & Fishes offers numerous programs for self-sufficiency, including emergency assistance for rent or utilities, job readiness, car donations, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA); and

WHEREAS, Beyond the distribution of food and programs, Loaves & Fishes has fostered a culture of dignity, compassion, and hope within its community, impacting the lives of countless individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, On this milestone occasion of its 40th anniversary, it is fitting to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication of Loaves & Fishes in its mission to end hunger and transform lives; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Loaves & Fishes Community Services (Loaves & Fishes) on the 40th anniversary of its founding; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Loaves & Fishes, the City of Naperville, and the City of Aurora as an expression of our esteem and respect.