“If you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon."
Isaiah 58:10

What is the mission of Loaves & Fishes?
Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County is a Christian ministry which provides a place for free meals, hospitality, companionship, and advocacy for those in need, regardless of their faith, beliefs, or circumstances.

What is the history of Loaves & Fishes?
Founded in 1983 by Rev. Kathy Eickwort, Loaves & Fishes is devoted to fostering a community of people who care for and serve each other. As a response to God’s generosity to us, we strive to recognize the value and worth of each individual.

“The King will say, Come and inherit the kingdom…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…truly, I say to you, as you did unto the least of my brethren, you did unto me.”   Matthew 25
 

In receiving all with dignity and respect, we share friendships in a loving environment, along with providing a free meal each weekday. As advocates, we offer practical help in times of crisis.

As the free meal program has grown over the years, Loaves & Fishes has received widespread community support for donations consisting of food, finances and volunteer time. We are now serving over 3000 meals a month.

Housed in St. John’s Episcopal church, Loaves & Fishes of Tompkins County Inc. is a not for profit organization with no outside affiliations. It is governed by a Board of Directors, which sets overall policy and goals, and is responsible for funding.

What services does Loaves & Fishes provide?
• Free meals each weekday. Lunch is served from noon to 1 pm every Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Dinner is served from 6 pm to 7 pm every Tuesday & Thursday. People can come a half hour before mealtimes to socialize.
• Advocacy during mealtimes: this includes listening, referrals and practical support for basic needs (housing, medical, food, clothing, etc)
• Craft workshops seasonally during mealtimes
• Health information and limited medical testing provided by a Tompkins County Health Nurse during Wednesday lunches

Who uses Loaves & Fishes services?
Individuals come from all areas of Tompkins County and include: the working poor, the unemployed, the underemployed, individuals with disabilities, the homeless, people in crisis, families with inadequate public assistance and anyone in need of companionship. We serve an average of 125 guests per weekday. All are welcome. There are no forms to fill and no eligibility requirements.

Is Loaves & Fishes completely staffed by volunteers?
No. In order to ensure adequate funding and consistency of service, we have a small group of paid part-time staff:

• Chris Pothier, Executive Director
• Neil Golder, Kitchen Manager
• Isaiah Parker, Kitchen Manage
r• Rob Kauffman, Receiver
• Stephanie Abrahams, Advocacy Coordinator
• Maggie Whitehead, Administrative Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator
• Leah Grady, Assistant Kitchen Manager

Volunteers do most of the work in the kitchen and comprise about 100 individuals each week.

Who is on the board of directors?
We have a diverse Board of Directors, including college faculty, human services professionals, restaurant owners, and church officials:

• Howard McCullough, President
• George Boyer, President
• Mary-Elizabeth Eddlestone, Treasurer
• Chris Pothier, Executive Director
• Ted Clark
• Kenny Christianson
• Tom Archibald
• Lucy Fisher
• Jayne LeGro
• Rev. Phil Snyder
• Rupert Spies
• Betty House
• Neil Oolie
• Charles Ciccone
• Tristram Coffin
• Michael Jenkins
• Steven Shiffrin
• Martin Wells

Loaves & Fishes is a member agency of the Southern Tier Food Bank.