|
FOCUS: Fish and Loaves
What would Jesus do?" A dedicated group of Downriver churches are answering that question with action. Fish and Loaves , a Downriver community food pantry located in Taylor, strives to see that no one Downriver goes hungry or without adequate nutrition. Fish and Loaves unites churches, civic groups, businesses and individuals in a community partnership.
How it started
Fish and Loaves began in 2004 as a faith-based organization by four churches of varying denominations. Today, nearly forty churches participate and provide funding for electricity, rent, utilities and a bookkeeper for the operation (the rest of Fish and Loaves' workers are volunteers).
How it works
Fish and Loaves is a client-choice pantry where “customers” choose exactly the things that their family needs, thereby leading to no waste whatsoever from the pantry. Customers can get up to 35 pounds of food for an individual, 50 pounds for two people and 20 pounds per person beyond, up to 110 pounds maximum. Clients may participate up to six times per year.
Customers must live in one of the following cities:
- Allen Park
- Brownstown Township
- Dearborn Heights
- Romulus
- Southgate
- Taylor
They must feel that they are in need; this might include fixed-income seniors, or families missing an income due to an accident, illness or change in job situation.
By giving customers a leg up on their food budget, Fish and Loaves hopes to ease the burdens of mortgage or rent payments, automobile expenses and heating and cooling bills. The items available are not restricted to canned goods – chicken, meat, and baked goods and breads are also available. Additionally during summer months, local farms donate large volumes of produce, which do not count against the client's weight allotment since they are perishable.
Fundraising
Fish and Loaves sees up to a hundred people in a typical day, and has assisted 1,010 families in March 2009 alone. With a motto of "Downriver people helping Downriver families", Fish and Loaves relies heavily on individual and corporate donations to maintain operations. However, benefit Police and Fire Departments hockey and soccer games, concerts, and golf scrambles also provide funding.
The first annual golf fund-raiser hosted by the Downriver Six, (which include mayors and/or city supervisors of the communities served) will be held at Lakes of Taylor on Thursday, September 17, 2009 with a $125 entry. The usual scramble amenities and promotions will be available, including the chance to win a car with a hole-in-one. So come on out and support this worthy cause. Donations are always appreciated. You can send donations directly to Fish and Loaves, 25670 Northline, Taylor, MI 48180, or contact (734)442-0031 for further information. Every dollar raised translates to three meals for one person.
Times of operation
Fish and Loaves emphasizes that customers are seen by appointment only. Operating times are Mondays 9 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (closed from noon to 1:00 p.m.), Tuesdays 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (closed Thursdays and Sundays). Their staff of friendly volunteers is dedicated to making a true difference, and committed to meeting each customer's specific needs. Times are tough, especially in Michigan, but tough times are when people can choose to make a difference – with time and/or treasure. Make a difference.
Visit their web page for full menu and services.
FEATURED BUSINESS ARCHIVE.
If you would like your business featured, please contact us. |
