Loaves & Fishes

When you give to Loaves & Fishes, your gift will be AMPLIFIED. Every dollar you donate will be DOUBLED thanks to matching funds from Quality Bicycle Products, B.I. Worldwide Donations, and a variety of other generous donors. ✨ All contributions exceeding $250 will qualify for a chance to win a 25% discount promotional code for Delicacies Jewelry. We will randomly select 20 donors and announce the winners during the week following Give to the Max Day.

At Loaves & Fishes, we're not just a meal provider. We've created an extensive ecosystem dedicated to nourishing Minnesotans in need. We do so through our Food Waste Reduction, Free Meal Programming, and Community Partnership initiatives.  

Our Food Waste Reduction initiative hinges on our Food Rescue program. This operation tackles both hunger and environmental impact by saving millions of pounds of edible food from going to waste each year. Through partnerships with large chains, local stores, farms, and more, we capture surplus food and redirect it to support all our meal programs. 

Our Free Meal Programming ensures that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food. Through our Community Meals, we provide free takeaway meals and in-person dining at over 35 locations. Our Street Outreach brings mobile meals, hot soups, sandwiches, and groceries directly to people experiencing homelessness, offering a vital, consistent source of nourishment. 

Here are some stories of guests of our Free Meal Programming: 

Eric, a recent college graduate, found himself homeless after a series of unforeseen circumstances left him without stable housing. Through our Community Meal program, he discovered not only a warm meal but also connections to local resources that helped him secure temporary housing and job placement services. 

Angela, a mother of four who turned to us after her partner lost his job. She finds solace in our meals, often bringing them home on Wednesday nights, always grabbing an extra one to share with her 89-year-old neighbor down the hall. 

James, a retiree, experienced deep loneliness after losing his wife, but by joining our meals, he formed friendships that revitalized his spirit and introduced him to local social activities, bringing joy back into his life.

These stories remind us that every meal we serve is a steppingstone toward empowerment and community support. 

Our Community Partnerships strengthen the impact of our mission by collaborating with local nonprofits through The HUB, offering them access to rescued food at a reduced cost to support their own meal services while staying focused on their core missions. Our Institutional Partners initiative builds alliances with facilities across Minnesota, where our staff utilize their kitchens to prepare nutritious meals for residents and support nearby communities. Additionally, our Commissary Kitchens transform rescued ingredients into meals that are distributed throughout our various programs. 

Today, we face a unique paradox. The need is more significant than it's ever been, the barriers are higher, and the financial gap is wider than ever. The donor environment has changed, making it essential for us to find creative revenue sources and introduce Loaves & Fishes to new donors willing to help us bridge these gaps.

Our next guest might be anyone – it could be you, a neighbor, or a beloved relative. We open our doors to all without question or hesitation. 

We believe in the transformative effect of a simple sandwich or a warm meal. With your support, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans, one meal at a time.