In A Year of Unknowns, There Has Been One Constant. February News Update from Loaves & Fishes

In a year of so many unknowns, there continues to be one constant that we have been able to rely on – the overwhelming generosity of this community. When we have needed you, you have stepped up. Every single time.

This year’s Scouting for Food drive was a prime example. Between food donations collected by Mecklenburg Co. Scouts and financial donations totaling $30,475 (with each $ = 4lbs of food), you have donated an incredible 328,723 lbs of food!

A phenomenal response in a year of phenomenal need.

This record breaking drive would not have been possible without the Mecklenburg Co. Council of Boy Scouts of America, WCNC Charlotte, Harris Teeter, Stegall Trucking and YOU!! Thank you!

Check out this news story from WCNC Charlotte that shows exactly how your food and financial donations to Scouting for Food make a difference in feeding our hungry neighbors. As WCNC reporter Ashley Daley says, “…something as small as a can can fill both bellies and hearts.”

Service Numbers to Date

To see how the pandemic impacted our service numbers in 2020, this graph does a good job of showing how our numbers skyrocketed in the early days of the pandemic. The numbers continue to remain high as we have already fed 13,510 individuals in 2021.

Loaves & Fishes Community Outreach Team

One positive to come from our pandemic response has been the addition of the Loaves & Fishes Community Outreach Team.

In the past 11 months, these dedicated staff members have:

• Implemented a Home Delivery program which has delivered a week’s worth of groceries to over 10,000 individuals.
• Created a Specialty Box program that provides food items specifically chosen for those with diabetes or heart disease.
• Distributed fresh produce, meat and dairy through our Pop Up Food Share program.

All of this is in addition to running our mobile food pantry food distributions! Way to go team!

COVID-19 has impacted so much of our operation, including how we receive food. In 2020, food drives for Loaves & Fishes accounted for just 35% of our food inventory, down from over 50% the previous year. Having a successful Scouting for Food drive was critical to make up the difference. Thanks to your generosity, no one will go hungry on our watch!!

As always, thank you for your support of Loaves & Fishes!

From one hunger fighter to another,

Tina Postel

Executive Director, Loaves & Fishes