Child hunger and food insecurity are growing concerns nationwide, especially in suburban areas where many low-income families have relocated in search of employment, affordable housing and better schools.

Last year alone, Loaves & Fishes Community Services provided nutrition to nearly 10,000 children alone in DuPage County, which represents 25 percent of food insecure children in the area, according to Feeding America.

To increase awareness of the detrimental and long-term impacts of hunger on children, their families, and the overall community, Loaves & Fishes will host “Spotlight on Child Hunger” on Friday, April 17 at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL.

“Our goal with this community symposium is to elevate food insecurity as a public health crisis and to build a greater understanding of how fundamental proper nutrition is to early childhood development and education,” explained Megan Selck, interim president and CEO of Loaves & Fishes Community Services, a nationally recognized anti-poverty and food assistance organization based in Naperville, IL. “We have partnered with some of the country’s foremost experts on this subject and are pleased to be able to bring their voices and insights together at such a critical time.”

Registration is required and can be completed at www.loaves-fishes.org. Space is limited.

Loaves & Fishes is located at 1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville and provides multi-faceted programs, such as job search support, food assistance, skill-based classes and public benefit assistance, to low-income, west suburban residents. Learn more about getting help, making a donation, or volunteering at http://www.loaves-fishes.org.