A Benevolence Highlight
Like the biblical story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with just a few loaves of bread and two fish, Loaves and Fish is a weekly feeding ministry that serves as the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus as one family under a loving God.
Based out of the First United Methodist Church in Peoria, Illinois, Loaves and Fish has served the poor and needy since 1994. Each Saturday, the ministry provides a free meal, food pantry, and medical clinic to those in need. Over 30,000 volunteers have given their time to the organization since their beginning, from various faith and civic organizations.
Where it All Began
In November 1994, the Catholic Worker House (the only feeding site available in Peoria on a Saturday) caught on fire, forcing the organization to close. First United Methodist Church asked their members if anyone could take over the food ministry, just temporarily. When it became known that the Catholic Worker House would close permanently, the church discussed a long-term plan. They already had a large commercial kitchen, a central location, and a congregation that believed in supporting the community. What more of a sign did they need?
The Loaves and Fish Community Ministry was born on November 24, 1994 – Thanksgiving Day. They served 60 guests that first meal and invited them to “shop” nonperishable items to take home. Today, Loaves and Fish has grown to serve an average of 300 guests each week.
More Than a Food Pantry
Loaves and Fish initially started as a food-serving ministry. Over time, they have expanded to include many other services. Several guests expressed their gratitude for being physically fed, but realized they needed spiritual food as well. L&F began holding a weekly worship service before lunch for those who hungered for righteousness as well as a full belly.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
L&F also partnered with their neighbor, Methodist College of Nursing, to provide a health clinic for their guests. Over the years, the clinic has supported countless individuals seeking medical information or advice. Loaves and Fish also host flu shot clinics and monthly HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis testing.
Other initiatives include a clothing room and a weekly Adult Literacy class sponsored by Common Place.
Covid Changes
We all know the impact 2020 had on our lives. Loaves and Fish had to adjust their methods due to COVID-19 and the rules that came with it. They continued serving lunch and groceries, although in a take-out format outside. They have since begun serving food inside again but have had to cut back their services to just the pantry food due to various factors.
Loaves and Fish is thankful for the years they have been able to serve their community. According to their website, “Just like the loaves and fish parable in the Bible, we have never run out of food, and have always had enough volunteers to serve. We haven’t missed a Saturday of service for 26 years.”
Info Source:
First UMC Peoria – Loaves and Fish (fumcpeoria.org)
About The Benevolence Committee
The Benevolence Committee exists to amplify and uphold our “Benevolence” core value and serve as a bridge between employee-owners and the charities we support. Loaves and Fish is not one of our “regular” charities, but we chose to send a donation this year. They were very appreciative and sent us this note in response:
“This is to gratefully acknowledge your donation to our Loaves and Fish Ministry. What a wonderful way to support the community in which we serve. On behalf of First United Methodist Church, thank you for your financial support, which allows us to continue serving those in need and further Christ’s Kingdom. With you, in Christ’s Service, Pam.”
Contact the committee with any questions or comments via benevolencecommittee@nussbaum.com.
