Community Gathers In Solidarity To Show Support Against Hunger

The Naperville and DuPage County community came together Saturday afternoon for 4th Annual Day Without Hunger.  Speakers were on hand to share their experiences in working with Loaves & Fishes to end hunger in their communities.

The day's activities started with an opening invocation from Rev. Mark Jendrysik, pastor of in Naperville. Mayor Pradel addressed the crowd thanking them and the community of Naperville for their good fellowship towards others in need.

Loaves & Fishes executive director Charles P. McLimans, took a few moments to talk about the hunger issue facing the people of DuPage County.

"The food insecurity rate is 10.2 percent and it's great to see everyone here in this celebration of collaboration, teamwork and community spirit," said McLimans. "We are all here to lift each other up and help our clients feel human again."

Angie Neuman of Downers Grove has been volunteering at Loaves & Fishes for the past 18 months and talked about volunteering.

"I was looking for more ways to get involved with the community and learned about the Loaves & Fishes through the Rotary Club," Neuman said. "I work every Thursday night in the distribution center working directly with the clients. What's great about the pantry is that their services go way beyond food. They can help clients make their resumes, develop a budget, balance a checkbook and offer educational services."

The Kiwanis Club manned grills serving up hamburgers, hot dogs and brats. Agencies that work with Loaves & Fishes’ Pathways to Empowerment programs, including Literacy DuPage, Samaritan Interfaith Counseling Center, Benedictine University Dietetics Department, Community Career Center, and the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) were on hand providing information to clients and anyone wishing to learn more about their programs and general services.

The highlight of the day was the Photo-Thon, which offered a way for people to affirm their commitment to ending hunger. Volunteer photographers took head shots of attendees that were printed, signed, and placed in a special mosaic designed by Ed Hoy’s International.

To show their solidarity in the fight against ending local hunger, staff from the People’s Resource Center and West Suburban Community Pantry, located in Wheaton and Woodridge, were also on hand helping with the event.

Kids enjoyed face painting, family friendly activities and special exhibits from the .