The Latest News from Executive Director Sheila Aceves
THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US!
Time certainly flies by quickly here at Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa! Every month we are currently serving nearly 25,000 meals in communities throughout Contra Costa County.
Loaves and Fishes has so much to be thankful for this holiday season. We are grateful for everyone in our community who has supported us this past year by donating food, participating in our fundraising events, volunteering at our Dining Rooms and Central Kitchen and supporting us financially.
Your generosity allowed us to serve 281,352 meals last year which was a 12% increase from the previous year. We distributed 259 tons of groceries from our food pantries which was a 10% increase over last year.
As I look at the year ahead, I believe that the Loaves and Fishes’ meal program will continue to be in high demand as inflation soars and fuel, shelter and food prices continue to climb. The cost of everything – and the need for it – is only increasing, which means disposable income is decreasing as people struggle to regain their footing after the pandemic. The result? Many of our neighbors are trying to solve an impossible calculation each month.
Now that the mobile unit has arrived, we have launched a 6-month pilot project of delivering meals to two partner agencies: Delta Landing in Pittsburg and Pittsburg All in One Community Church. Ultimately, our mobile delivery program will give us the flexibility to serve more hot meals to people experiencing food insecurity who cannot travel to our dining rooms, and ultimately doubling our current service to more than 3,000-3,500 meals per day.
Loaves and Fishes remains focused on our mission ensuring we are providing healthy meals, meeting the demand and supporting our neighbors in need. This holiday season, please continue to support our mission, we cannot do it alone. Your gifts help to feed neighbors, change lives and strengthen communities.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you wholeheartedly for supporting our vital mission. Happy
Holidays!
Warm Regards,
Sheila Aceves