#United States #Endeavor Health #Evanston #Food Access #Loaves & Fishes

Endeavor Health Grants $5 Million to Loaves & Fishes for Community Food Access

Endeavor Health has announced a groundbreaking initiative by awarding $5 million to Loaves & Fishes Community Services in Evanston, Illinois. This significant investment, named the Community Investment Fund (CIF) Impact Award, aims to enhance regional food access and tackle food insecurity in the Chicago area.

In a statement made public on December 10, 2025, Endeavor Health revealed that Loaves & Fishes would be the first recipient of this prestigious award, receiving an annual funding of $1 million over the next five years. The funds are earmarked to expand infrastructure, develop partnerships, and remove logistical obstacles that hinder access to fresh and healthy food options for residents in the region.

As food insecurity continues to rise, exacerbated by recent federal cuts to programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the need for effective food distribution solutions has never been more critical. The Greater Chicago Food Depository's 2025 Hunger Report estimates that approximately 470,000 Illinois residents are at risk of losing SNAP benefits, significantly increasing the demand for food support services.

Loaves & Fishes, which has already benefited from earlier CIF grants in 2022 and 2024, plans to utilize this new funding to implement the Hub 2.0 expansion of its existing food distribution network. This plan is anchored by a central hub in Aurora, which commenced operations in 2021. The Hub 2.0 initiative includes:

• - Doubling the facility's size by adding 32,000 square feet to the existing structure, which will also quadruple the cold storage capacity.
• - Facilitating shared storage among various food pantry partners, enhancing collaborative procurement efforts to ensure a steady supply of nutritious food.
• - Supporting new food distribution spokes in neighborhoods identified as high-need communities, thereby directly addressing the local food deserts.

With these enhancements, Loaves & Fishes estimates that it can double its reach and significantly increase the volume of fresh food distributed to individuals and families within high-need areas. Beyond just food distribution, Loaves & Fishes also provides a comprehensive range of services under their CARES program. This program offers clients essential resources such as mental health support, financial assistance, job training, and legal help, further empowering individuals toward self-sufficiency.

Mike Havala, CEO of Loaves & Fishes, expressed gratitude for the award, stating, "This transformational support will change the trajectory of how families facing food insecurity are served and deepen collaboration with pantries across the region." He emphasized the importance of such partnerships in strengthening the overall community and addressing the urgent issues of hunger and food scarcity.

The connection between food access and health cannot be overstated. Studies show that consistent access to fresh, nutritious foods plays a significant role in reducing the risk of various chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Unfortunately, food insecurity is particularly detrimental for residents living in high-need communities where there tends to be a higher prevalence of chronic health issues and limited access to healthy food options.

Substantially, this initiative marks a pivotal moment for both Endeavor Health and Loaves & Fishes as they embark on this journey together, setting a precedent for community-driven solutions to health disparities. Since the inception of the CIF in 2022, Endeavor Health has allocated over $31.2 million to local partnerships, positively impacting nearly one million lives.

This monumental investment is more than just a financial contribution; it is a commitment to nurturing the well-being of individuals and families across the Chicago region, ensuring that everyone has access to the basic necessity of life – food.

For more details about the Community Investment Fund and updates on its initiatives, please visit Endeavor Health's community page.