Mission Statement: “We serve in partnership with local school districts, churches, businesses and organizations, to provide holiday food baskets so no child or person will go without a special holiday meal”
Our Vision: “To provide 2000 Holiday Food Baskets for Elementary, Middle and High School children and others in need, throughout the surrounding school districts and communities, in conjunction with churches, businesses and organizations.”
History of Loaves and Fishes Holiday Basket Program
The Loaves and Fishes Holiday Basket Ministry is powered by a broad coalition of churches, schools, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers working together to meet real needs across our local communities. What began as a partnership between two churches in 2018 with 63 boxes has grown to become a community-based event. Each year, volunteers coordinate food sourcing, basket assembly, and distribution to ensure families receive a complete holiday meal during a special time of year. This collaborative effort reflects a strong commitment to neighbors helping neighbors through organized, compassionate service.
In 2025, the ministry served 1211 families, reaching 6,168 individuals, including 3,472 children, and 2,696 adults across 32 schools with support from 5 churches and 75 community groups and 175 volunteers. Building on this growth, 2026 projections anticipate serving 1,500 families across 38 schools, supported by 8 churches, approximately 80 community partners, and nearly 52,500 pounds of food, with an operating budget of $63,000. These numbers represent not only increased capacity, but a deepening network of community collaborations focused on meeting hunger with dignity, coordination, and care.
Scriptural Background
But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me."
- Matthew 14:16-18 (ESV)