This pantry began in a small closet at St. Raphael in 1984 and 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 month.

St. Raphael continues its support of the pantry by having a regular drop-off collection of non- perishable food items and cleaning supplies during the week on a moveable cart in the alcove by the stairway leading to the 2nd floor. Loaves and Fishes does a pickup the third Thursday of the month.

Parishioners may also help at the pantry by packing grocery bags and assisting with food distribution, sorting food or stocking shelves, or delivering groceries to the homebound.

St. Raphael also hosts an Annual Cleaning Supply Collection for Loaves of Fishes in the narthex of the church. When it comes to the underserved and low-income families, feeding their children is their first 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. Get more bang for your buck by shopping at Ollies Bargain Outlet at 4070 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora.

Contact

Kathy Ford at (630) 615-7613 or kford@st-raphael.com