Loaves & Fishes Community Services

In 1984, St. Raphael Church opened a pantry to assist families in need of food. Eight families were helped that year. Check out this article from The Naperville Sun discussing the introduction of Loaves & Fishes. It has now grown to become its own not-for-profit agency serving over 10,000 people (over 4,000 children and 2,500 households) per week.

St. Raphael continues its support of the pantry by having a permanent collection area for non- perishable food items. There is a silver shelving unit off the Narthex where food is still collected. Note: If you plan to donate, please note that candy, pop, chips, cookies and perishable items (bread, fruit, vegetables, etc.) cannot be accepted. Additionally, it is discouraged to donate anything that is 6 months past the expiration date.

St. Raphael also hosts an Annual Cleaning Supply Collection for Loaves of Fishes in the narthex of the church. This event will be announced in the parish bulletin! When it comes to the underserved and low-income families, feeding their children is their priority. Due to the cost of laundry soap and cleaning supplies, many families forgo these products. Loaves & Fishes will always accept cleaning supplies to fill their shelves in the Pantry throughout the year!

Parishioners are encouraged to become a volunteer at Loaves and Fishes. There are numerous ways to volunteer such as packing grocery boxes, assisting with food distribution, sorting food, stocking shelves, or delivering groceries to the homebound. Please click on the link below to bring you to their website to get started on your volunteer journey!