Published for the Friends and Volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

Loaves&Fishes
Food for Thought
Ending Hunger in Our Community

Summer/Fall 2015

New Era in Client Choices

By Jody Bender

aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted to
a Client Choice format. The designation of September as National
Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch, according to
Charles McLimans, Executive Director.
The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for some
time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes on our part,
regarding distribution of food, but it puts the nutritional needs of our
clients first. Client Choice helps to consider individual dietary preferences
and concerns, said Executive Director Charles McLimans. Client Choice
also treats persons in need of our services with the same dignity and
respect any of us would expect if we found ourselves needing a helping
hand. Client Choice will also help us to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed to
family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts and
produce as available. Many recipients had requested food substitutions to
accommodate family preferences, cultural, or medical issues. Prebagging
did not allow for this flexibility. Consequently, food that clients did not want
or could not use was sometimes found discarded, wasting money and
reducing the amount of usable items available to the household for the
two-week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the Client Choice system allows Pantry patrons to select
foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically reducing waste. This
reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes to provide more food at less
cost. Additionally, patrons with health issues will now be able to choose
foods that will help, not hurt their medical conditions.
Clients receive a waiting number at the check-in desk. After their
numbers are called, they may make their selections. This procedure

manages Pantry flow and

ensures people get individual
help choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food as
indicated on their client card.
All distribution sessions have
been lengthened by an hour to
accommodate the additional
time needed for the food
selection process.

Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes provides food
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.

Loaves & Fishes

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.555.FOOD
Fax: 630.555.5738
Loaves&Fishes@emcp.com
www.looaves.emcp.net
As we are a registered 501 (c)(3)
charity, all donations are fully tax
deductible.

Client Nutrition and Supply

By Jody Bender

he new Client Choice system not only maximizes our food supply
and allows clients to select their foods. It also aims to provide
nutritional balance to their product mix.

The backbone of the system is a two-tier categorization of items by food

group. Products are separated into protein, soups, grain/starch, vegetable,
and fruit shelves, then further organized according to individual item type,
as in a grocery store.
A client card based upon household size indicates how many items of
each food group a client can take. At the extremes, a household of 1
receives 4 proteins and 2 each of soups, grain/starch, vegetables, and fruit,
while a household larger than 8 family members may have 16 proteins, 6
soups, and 8 each of grain/starch, vegetable, and fruit items. Families with
2 to 4 and 5 to 7 members receive an intermediate level of each food
category.
Bread, dessert, and produce areas are unaffected by this system. All
clients can still choose at least one of each type of item depending upon the
available supply.

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563

Jansen Dell
9823 Finley Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60616

Published for the Friends and Volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

Loaves&Fishes
Food for Thought
Ending Hunger in Our Community

Summer/Fall 2015

New Era in Client Choices

By Jody Bender

aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted to
a Client Choice format. The designation of September as National
Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch, according to
Charles McLimans, Executive Director.
The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for some
time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes on our part,
regarding distribution of food, but it puts the nutritional needs of our
clients first. Client Choice helps to consider individual dietary preferences
and concerns, said Executive Director Charles McLimans. Client Choice
also treats persons in need of our services with the same dignity and
respect any of us would expect if we found ourselves needing a helping
hand. Client Choice will also help us to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed to
family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts and
produce as available. Many recipients had requested food substitutions to
accommodate family preferences, cultural, or medical issues. Prebagging
did not allow for this flexibility. Consequently, food that clients did not want
or could not use was sometimes found discarded, wasting money and
reducing the amount of usable items available to the household for the
two-week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the Client Choice system allows Pantry patrons to select
foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically reducing waste. This
reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes to provide more food at less
cost. Additionally, patrons with health issues will now be able to choose
foods that will help, not hurt their medical conditions.
Clients receive a waiting number at the check-in desk. After their
numbers are called, they may make their selections. This procedure

manages Pantry flow and

ensures people get individual
help choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food as
indicated on their client card.
All distribution sessions have
been lengthened by an hour to
accommodate the additional
time needed for the food
selection process.

Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes provides food
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.

Loaves & Fishes

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.555.FOOD
Fax: 630.555.5738
Loaves&Fishes@emcp.com
www.looaves.emcp.net
As we are a registered 501 (c)(3)
charity, all donations are fully tax
deductible.

Client Nutrition and Supply

By Jody Bender

he new Client Choice system not only maximizes our food supply
and allows clients to select their foods. It also aims to provide
nutritional balance to their product mix.

The backbone of the system is a two-tier categorization of items by food

group. Products are separated into protein, soups, grain/starch, vegetable,
and fruit shelves, then further organized according to individual item type,
as in a grocery store.
A client card based upon household size indicates how many items of
each food group a client can take. At the extremes, a household of 1
receives 4 proteins and 2 each of soups, grain/starch, vegetables, and fruit,
while a household larger than 8 family members may have 16 proteins, 6
soups, and 8 each of grain/starch, vegetable, and fruit items. Families with
2 to 4 and 5 to 7 members receive an intermediate level of each food
category.
Bread, dessert, and produce areas are unaffected by this system. All
clients can still choose at least one of each type of item depending upon the
available supply.

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563

Kaitlin Ford
220 Alexandria Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60616

Published for the Friends and Volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

Loaves&Fishes
Food for Thought
Ending Hunger in Our Community

Summer/Fall 2015

New Era in Client Choices

By Jody Bender

aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted to
a Client Choice format. The designation of September as National
Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch, according to
Charles McLimans, Executive Director.
The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for some
time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes on our part,
regarding distribution of food, but it puts the nutritional needs of our
clients first. Client Choice helps to consider individual dietary preferences
and concerns, said Executive Director Charles McLimans. Client Choice
also treats persons in need of our services with the same dignity and
respect any of us would expect if we found ourselves needing a helping
hand. Client Choice will also help us to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed to
family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts and
produce as available. Many recipients had requested food substitutions to
accommodate family preferences, cultural, or medical issues. Prebagging
did not allow for this flexibility. Consequently, food that clients did not want
or could not use was sometimes found discarded, wasting money and
reducing the amount of usable items available to the household for the
two-week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the Client Choice system allows Pantry patrons to select
foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically reducing waste. This
reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes to provide more food at less
cost. Additionally, patrons with health issues will now be able to choose
foods that will help, not hurt their medical conditions.
Clients receive a waiting number at the check-in desk. After their
numbers are called, they may make their selections. This procedure

manages Pantry flow and

ensures people get individual
help choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food as
indicated on their client card.
All distribution sessions have
been lengthened by an hour to
accommodate the additional
time needed for the food
selection process.

Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes provides food
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.

Loaves & Fishes

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.555.FOOD
Fax: 630.555.5738
Loaves&Fishes@emcp.com
www.looaves.emcp.net
As we are a registered 501 (c)(3)
charity, all donations are fully tax
deductible.

Client Nutrition and Supply

By Jody Bender

he new Client Choice system not only maximizes our food supply
and allows clients to select their foods. It also aims to provide
nutritional balance to their product mix.

The backbone of the system is a two-tier categorization of items by food

group. Products are separated into protein, soups, grain/starch, vegetable,
and fruit shelves, then further organized according to individual item type,
as in a grocery store.
A client card based upon household size indicates how many items of
each food group a client can take. At the extremes, a household of 1
receives 4 proteins and 2 each of soups, grain/starch, vegetables, and fruit,
while a household larger than 8 family members may have 16 proteins, 6
soups, and 8 each of grain/starch, vegetable, and fruit items. Families with
2 to 4 and 5 to 7 members receive an intermediate level of each food
category.
Bread, dessert, and produce areas are unaffected by this system. All
clients can still choose at least one of each type of item depending upon the
available supply.

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563

Adam Greber
1039 Woodward
Downers Grove, IL 60615

Published for the Friends and Volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

Loaves&Fishes
Food for Thought
Ending Hunger in Our Community

Summer/Fall 2015

New Era in Client Choices

By Jody Bender

aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted to
a Client Choice format. The designation of September as National
Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch, according to
Charles McLimans, Executive Director.
The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for some
time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes on our part,
regarding distribution of food, but it puts the nutritional needs of our
clients first. Client Choice helps to consider individual dietary preferences
and concerns, said Executive Director Charles McLimans. Client Choice
also treats persons in need of our services with the same dignity and
respect any of us would expect if we found ourselves needing a helping
hand. Client Choice will also help us to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed to
family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts and
produce as available. Many recipients had requested food substitutions to
accommodate family preferences, cultural, or medical issues. Prebagging
did not allow for this flexibility. Consequently, food that clients did not want
or could not use was sometimes found discarded, wasting money and
reducing the amount of usable items available to the household for the
two-week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the Client Choice system allows Pantry patrons to select
foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically reducing waste. This
reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes to provide more food at less
cost. Additionally, patrons with health issues will now be able to choose
foods that will help, not hurt their medical conditions.
Clients receive a waiting number at the check-in desk. After their
numbers are called, they may make their selections. This procedure

manages Pantry flow and

ensures people get individual
help choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food as
indicated on their client card.
All distribution sessions have
been lengthened by an hour to
accommodate the additional
time needed for the food
selection process.

Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes provides food
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.

Loaves & Fishes

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.555.FOOD
Fax: 630.555.5738
Loaves&Fishes@emcp.com
www.looaves.emcp.net
As we are a registered 501 (c)(3)
charity, all donations are fully tax
deductible.

Client Nutrition and Supply

By Jody Bender

he new Client Choice system not only maximizes our food supply
and allows clients to select their foods. It also aims to provide
nutritional balance to their product mix.

The backbone of the system is a two-tier categorization of items by food

group. Products are separated into protein, soups, grain/starch, vegetable,
and fruit shelves, then further organized according to individual item type,
as in a grocery store.
A client card based upon household size indicates how many items of
each food group a client can take. At the extremes, a household of 1
receives 4 proteins and 2 each of soups, grain/starch, vegetables, and fruit,
while a household larger than 8 family members may have 16 proteins, 6
soups, and 8 each of grain/starch, vegetable, and fruit items. Families with
2 to 4 and 5 to 7 members receive an intermediate level of each food
category.
Bread, dessert, and produce areas are unaffected by this system. All
clients can still choose at least one of each type of item depending upon the
available supply.

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563

Deonnie Moodie
4900 Chase Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60615

Published for the Friends and Volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

Loaves&Fishes
Food for Thought
Ending Hunger in Our Community

Summer/Fall 2015

New Era in Client Choices

By Jody Bender

aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted to
a Client Choice format. The designation of September as National
Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch, according to
Charles McLimans, Executive Director.
The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for some
time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes on our part,
regarding distribution of food, but it puts the nutritional needs of our
clients first. Client Choice helps to consider individual dietary preferences
and concerns, said Executive Director Charles McLimans. Client Choice
also treats persons in need of our services with the same dignity and
respect any of us would expect if we found ourselves needing a helping
hand. Client Choice will also help us to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed to
family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts and
produce as available. Many recipients had requested food substitutions to
accommodate family preferences, cultural, or medical issues. Prebagging
did not allow for this flexibility. Consequently, food that clients did not want
or could not use was sometimes found discarded, wasting money and
reducing the amount of usable items available to the household for the
two-week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the Client Choice system allows Pantry patrons to select
foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically reducing waste. This
reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes to provide more food at less
cost. Additionally, patrons with health issues will now be able to choose
foods that will help, not hurt their medical conditions.
Clients receive a waiting number at the check-in desk. After their
numbers are called, they may make their selections. This procedure

manages Pantry flow and

ensures people get individual
help choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food as
indicated on their client card.
All distribution sessions have
been lengthened by an hour to
accommodate the additional
time needed for the food
selection process.

Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes provides food
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.

Loaves & Fishes

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.555.FOOD
Fax: 630.555.5738
Loaves&Fishes@emcp.com
www.looaves.emcp.net
As we are a registered 501 (c)(3)
charity, all donations are fully tax
deductible.

Client Nutrition and Supply

By Jody Bender

he new Client Choice system not only maximizes our food supply
and allows clients to select their foods. It also aims to provide
nutritional balance to their product mix.

The backbone of the system is a two-tier categorization of items by food

group. Products are separated into protein, soups, grain/starch, vegetable,
and fruit shelves, then further organized according to individual item type,
as in a grocery store.
A client card based upon household size indicates how many items of
each food group a client can take. At the extremes, a household of 1
receives 4 proteins and 2 each of soups, grain/starch, vegetables, and fruit,
while a household larger than 8 family members may have 16 proteins, 6
soups, and 8 each of grain/starch, vegetable, and fruit items. Families with
2 to 4 and 5 to 7 members receive an intermediate level of each food
category.
Bread, dessert, and produce areas are unaffected by this system. All
clients can still choose at least one of each type of item depending upon the
available supply.

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563

Danah Snow
1457 Chicago Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60615

Published for the Friends and Volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

Loaves&Fishes
Food for Thought
Ending Hunger in Our Community

Summer/Fall 2015

New Era in Client Choices

By Jody Bender

aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted to
a Client Choice format. The designation of September as National
Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch, according to
Charles McLimans, Executive Director.
The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for some
time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes on our part,
regarding distribution of food, but it puts the nutritional needs of our
clients first. Client Choice helps to consider individual dietary preferences
and concerns, said Executive Director Charles McLimans. Client Choice
also treats persons in need of our services with the same dignity and
respect any of us would expect if we found ourselves needing a helping
hand. Client Choice will also help us to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed to
family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts and
produce as available. Many recipients had requested food substitutions to
accommodate family preferences, cultural, or medical issues. Prebagging
did not allow for this flexibility. Consequently, food that clients did not want
or could not use was sometimes found discarded, wasting money and
reducing the amount of usable items available to the household for the
two-week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the Client Choice system allows Pantry patrons to select
foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically reducing waste. This
reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes to provide more food at less
cost. Additionally, patrons with health issues will now be able to choose
foods that will help, not hurt their medical conditions.
Clients receive a waiting number at the check-in desk. After their
numbers are called, they may make their selections. This procedure

manages Pantry flow and

ensures people get individual
help choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food as
indicated on their client card.
All distribution sessions have
been lengthened by an hour to
accommodate the additional
time needed for the food
selection process.

Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes provides food
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.

Loaves & Fishes

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.555.FOOD
Fax: 630.555.5738
Loaves&Fishes@emcp.com
www.looaves.emcp.net
As we are a registered 501 (c)(3)
charity, all donations are fully tax
deductible.

Client Nutrition and Supply

By Jody Bender

he new Client Choice system not only maximizes our food supply
and allows clients to select their foods. It also aims to provide
nutritional balance to their product mix.

The backbone of the system is a two-tier categorization of items by food

group. Products are separated into protein, soups, grain/starch, vegetable,
and fruit shelves, then further organized according to individual item type,
as in a grocery store.
A client card based upon household size indicates how many items of
each food group a client can take. At the extremes, a household of 1
receives 4 proteins and 2 each of soups, grain/starch, vegetables, and fruit,
while a household larger than 8 family members may have 16 proteins, 6
soups, and 8 each of grain/starch, vegetable, and fruit items. Families with
2 to 4 and 5 to 7 members receive an intermediate level of each food
category.
Bread, dessert, and produce areas are unaffected by this system. All
clients can still choose at least one of each type of item depending upon the
available supply.

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563

Charles-Etienne Visconti
1489 Belmont Avenue
Apt. #2
Downers Grove, IL 60616

Published for the Friends and Volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

Loaves&Fishes
Food for Thought
Ending Hunger in Our Community

Summer/Fall 2015

New Era in Client Choices

By Jody Bender

aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted to
a Client Choice format. The designation of September as National
Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch, according to
Charles McLimans, Executive Director.
The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for some
time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes on our part,
regarding distribution of food, but it puts the nutritional needs of our
clients first. Client Choice helps to consider individual dietary preferences
and concerns, said Executive Director Charles McLimans. Client Choice
also treats persons in need of our services with the same dignity and
respect any of us would expect if we found ourselves needing a helping
hand. Client Choice will also help us to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed to
family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts and
produce as available. Many recipients had requested food substitutions to
accommodate family preferences, cultural, or medical issues. Prebagging
did not allow for this flexibility. Consequently, food that clients did not want
or could not use was sometimes found discarded, wasting money and
reducing the amount of usable items available to the household for the
two-week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the Client Choice system allows Pantry patrons to select
foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically reducing waste. This
reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes to provide more food at less
cost. Additionally, patrons with health issues will now be able to choose
foods that will help, not hurt their medical conditions.
Clients receive a waiting number at the check-in desk. After their
numbers are called, they may make their selections. This procedure

manages Pantry flow and

ensures people get individual
help choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food as
indicated on their client card.
All distribution sessions have
been lengthened by an hour to
accommodate the additional
time needed for the food
selection process.

Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes provides food
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.

Loaves & Fishes

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.555.FOOD
Fax: 630.555.5738
Loaves&Fishes@emcp.com
www.looaves.emcp.net
As we are a registered 501 (c)(3)
charity, all donations are fully tax
deductible.

Client Nutrition and Supply

By Jody Bender

he new Client Choice system not only maximizes our food supply
and allows clients to select their foods. It also aims to provide
nutritional balance to their product mix.

The backbone of the system is a two-tier categorization of items by food

group. Products are separated into protein, soups, grain/starch, vegetable,
and fruit shelves, then further organized according to individual item type,
as in a grocery store.
A client card based upon household size indicates how many items of
each food group a client can take. At the extremes, a household of 1
receives 4 proteins and 2 each of soups, grain/starch, vegetables, and fruit,
while a household larger than 8 family members may have 16 proteins, 6
soups, and 8 each of grain/starch, vegetable, and fruit items. Families with
2 to 4 and 5 to 7 members receive an intermediate level of each food
category.
Bread, dessert, and produce areas are unaffected by this system. All
clients can still choose at least one of each type of item depending upon the
available supply.

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563

Rachel Weber
342 Main Street
Downers Grove, IL 60615

Published for the Friends and Volunteers of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

Loaves&Fishes
Food for Thought
Ending Hunger in Our Community

Summer/Fall 2015

New Era in Client Choices

By Jody Bender

aturday, September 12, marked the start of a new era at Loaves &
Fishes Community Pantry. All distribution sessions were converted to
a Client Choice format. The designation of September as National
Hunger Action Month prompted the timing of the switch, according to
Charles McLimans, Executive Director.
The Pantry has wanted to move to the Client Choice model for some
time now. Client Choice requires some significant changes on our part,
regarding distribution of food, but it puts the nutritional needs of our
clients first. Client Choice helps to consider individual dietary preferences
and concerns, said Executive Director Charles McLimans. Client Choice
also treats persons in need of our services with the same dignity and
respect any of us would expect if we found ourselves needing a helping
hand. Client Choice will also help us to achieve efficiencies in food
purchases.
Previously, all clients received two prepacked bags of food keyed to
family size, four pounds of meat, a loaf of bread, and desserts and
produce as available. Many recipients had requested food substitutions to
accommodate family preferences, cultural, or medical issues. Prebagging
did not allow for this flexibility. Consequently, food that clients did not want
or could not use was sometimes found discarded, wasting money and
reducing the amount of usable items available to the household for the
two-week period between food pickups.
In contrast, the Client Choice system allows Pantry patrons to select
foods they enjoy and know how to prepare, drastically reducing waste. This
reduction in waste enables Loaves & Fishes to provide more food at less
cost. Additionally, patrons with health issues will now be able to choose
foods that will help, not hurt their medical conditions.
Clients receive a waiting number at the check-in desk. After their
numbers are called, they may make their selections. This procedure

manages Pantry flow and

ensures people get individual
help choosing the appropriate
types and amounts of food as
indicated on their client card.
All distribution sessions have
been lengthened by an hour to
accommodate the additional
time needed for the food
selection process.

Our Vision
Ending Hunger in Our Community
Our Mission
Loaves & Fishes provides food
and leadership in the community
by uniting and mobilizing
resources to empower people to
be self-sufficient.

Loaves & Fishes

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630.555.FOOD
Fax: 630.555.5738
Loaves&Fishes@emcp.com
www.looaves.emcp.net
As we are a registered 501 (c)(3)
charity, all donations are fully tax
deductible.

Client Nutrition and Supply

By Jody Bender

he new Client Choice system not only maximizes our food supply
and allows clients to select their foods. It also aims to provide
nutritional balance to their product mix.

The backbone of the system is a two-tier categorization of items by food

group. Products are separated into protein, soups, grain/starch, vegetable,
and fruit shelves, then further organized according to individual item type,
as in a grocery store.
A client card based upon household size indicates how many items of
each food group a client can take. At the extremes, a household of 1
receives 4 proteins and 2 each of soups, grain/starch, vegetables, and fruit,
while a household larger than 8 family members may have 16 proteins, 6
soups, and 8 each of grain/starch, vegetable, and fruit items. Families with
2 to 4 and 5 to 7 members receive an intermediate level of each food
category.
Bread, dessert, and produce areas are unaffected by this system. All
clients can still choose at least one of each type of item depending upon the
available supply.

Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry

556 West Fifth Avenue
Naperville, IL 60563

Erin Gohlke
45 Fiala Woods Circle
Naperville, IL 60540