Working hard to end hunger in the Pajaro Valley.
Years active: 31
Their story: For more than three decades, Loaves and Fishes has worked to alleviate hunger for poor families, farm workers, elderly, disabled and homeless individuals in the Pajaro Valley. It was initially established as an emergency feeding and aid program of Watsonville’s St. Patrick’s Church, and served more than 20,0000 meals to thousands of residents in the aftermath of the Loma Prieta earthquake. The organization currently provides free lunches on weekdays, emergency and supplemental groceries, and assistance with connecting to social services programs. Since the pandemic, the organization has had to suspend in-person meals but continues to distribute prepared food and groceries and has seen a significant increase in need.
Fundraising focus: Loaves and Fishes has a lunch program (serving a wholesome mid-day meal every weekday 12-1 p.m.), a pantry program (providing emergency and supplemental groceries 9-11:30 am and 1-3 pm) and a training/referral program (Offering training and social service agency referrals).
“We envision a Pajaro Valley community in which all people have access to healthy food and other basic necessities of life.”