“Five Loaves” Foodbank
What is Five Loaves?
River’s Cross has partnered with Five Loaves which has been a part of Hope church’s ministry from the early days, giving the gift of groceries and now also a weekly hot meal to many families in need. In 2008 alone, approximately 161 families and 461 individuals were fed monthly by this ministry. Five Loaves provides a loving, accepting environment for the hungry - whatever their circumstance.
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?"
~ Matthew 25:37
God has used Five Loaves to impact lives in the Hampton Roads community. "For those who came often, we got to know their kids and over time heard the continuing drama and sagas of their lives, striving against economic need and sometimes injustice... It's obvious to anyone who works at the Food Bank that most of the folks count on the food we give them. The Food Bank, when I was part of it, saved people in dire straits. I was blessed by other believers that visited the Food Bank who would often praise God for the food we helped them with," says Adam Carrier, who helped with Five Loaves from 2004-2007.
Five Loaves can be more than just "giving a hungry man some food to eat." "Regulars" become friends, and volunteers share in excitement as they see circumstances improve and lives transformed. Investing in our community and caring for those in need without pretense is the bedrock of Five Loaves' mission.
Give
Five Loaves Food Bank is in need of monthly financial donations to maintain their weekly distribution of food. To keep pace with the number of families coming in for assistance, they need $350 monthly. The number of families served tends to rise during times of economic distress and throughout the holiday season. Please consider giving a one-time donation today or if you are interested in setting up a recurring monthly donation.
Every donation counts, no matter how small! Did you know that through their connection to the Foodbank of the VA Peninsula, Five Loaves can purchase enough food to fill a grocery cart for less than $15? Every dollar you give matters!
Currently, Five Loaves receives regular donations from several local churches and private sponsors. If you are interested in partnering with Five Loaves, please consider giving using the link above.
Food Bank Workers Needed
5 Loaves is looking for volunteers to help the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month to both serve and prepare meals. Also, for those to whom it's applicable, it would count as volunteer hours to use for the SHARE program.
For more info or to volunteer contact Janet at 595-8490 x345.
Cook or Serve Monday Night Dinner
Five Loaves Food Bank serves dinner weekly for those coming to receive groceries. The meal is free to those who come and an average of 100 are served weekly, in addition to the LivingStone community. If you are interested in helping with any part of the meal, from behind-the-scenes kitchen work to serving to clean-up, contact Sherry Miles at 595-8490 x306.