“I have to decide on paying bills or buying fewer groceries.” – Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays Pregnancy Referral Program

“I have to decide on paying bills or buying fewer groceries.”

Silvia, a mother of five, says it’s been a struggle at times to afford groceries. With the newest addition to her family, 2-week-old Elsa, and her children out of school for the summer, she needs more food to provide more meals at home.

Silvia is grateful to be able to pick up groceries from a Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays pantry on her lunch break from work. She explains that nothing goes to waste – noting the vegetables, fruit, pasta, peanut butter, bread, and even diapers. She tells us when tomatoes are becoming overripe, “I boil them, make a sauce, and refrigerate it for later.”

Too often, parents in our community are forced to choose between buying groceries or paying bills. Fortunately, Silvia found support through the Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays Pregnancy Referral Program, which allows clients to receive a week’s worth of groceries for the duration of their pregnancy and up to four weeks postpartum. Whenever Silvia hears of friends or family that could use the help, she encourages them to schedule a pantry visit, and tells them “All of the food is useful, especially during a pregnancy.”

In need of food assistance? Call 704-523-4333, we’re here to help.

How can you help?

There are a variety of ways that you can help today!

• Financial donations – help us purchase much-needed food items in bulk. Donations can be made at loavesandfishes.org
• Hold a food drive at work, in your neighborhood, swim club, house of worship, etc… visit loavesanfishes.org to find information about holding a food drive.
• Food donations – pick up a few extra items on your next trip to the grocery store, drop off fresh produce from your garden, or purchase priority items from our Amazon Wish List – we are in need of canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned meat, etc… Donations can be dropped off at the Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays warehouse located at 648 Griffith Dr., Charlotte, 28217.
• Volunteer! We are currently in need of volunteer drivers to deliver groceries through our grocery home delivery program and meals through Friendship Trays, our Meals On Wheels program. Volunteer once, once a week, once a month – whatever suits your schedule – and deliveries can be done with the kids. To volunteer, visit loavesandfishes.org/get-involved.