Loaves & Fishes

Loaves & Fishes has a simple system for addressing the issue of food insecurity in our community. Seven days a week, we pick up food from local grocery stores, restaurants, food distribution centers and caterers, that would otherwise be wasted and deliver that food, free of charge, to 114 partner agencies that serve our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For every dollar we receive we are able to distribute $19 worth of food in our community.

By delivering almost $10 million worth of food to our partner agencies annually, we reduce the financial burden of purchasing or sourcing food, which allows our partners to spend their often-limited funds on vital programs. Our 100+ collaborative partnerships make it possible for us to be a part of a holistic approach that addresses the many barriers to prosperity - including food insecurity. Alongside our partner agencies, we distribute enough food to provide over 2 million meals to our neighbors in need.

The economic impact of the food rescue model is obvious, but there is another benefit that affects everyone in our community no matter their income or food security status. When food is placed in our landfills, it decomposes and releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. The USDA estimates that one-third of the food produced in the US is never consumed. By preventing 2.7 million pounds – or 1225 metric tons - of perfectly good food from being dumped in our community’s landfills, Loaves & Fishes is potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions in by 45.9 metric tons locally.