Loaves & Fishes provides a place for free meals, hospitality, companionship and advocacy for those in need regardless of their faith, beliefs or circumstances.
In 1983, Rev. Kathy Eickwort of St. John’s Episcopal Church brought Ithaca residents and businesses together to create and support Loaves & Fishes of Tompkins County, a community kitchen, in response to the needs of neighbors suffering from hunger and poverty. Loaves & Fishes continues to rely on the generosity of St. John’s, community residents and businesses to fulfill its mission.
St. John’s hosts us. Our daily nutritious free meal and advocacy program is made possible by kindhearted volunteers – 25 to 30 each day! Most are kitchen volunteers who prepare, serve and clean up after the meal, but some are advocacy volunteers. They offer our guests compassionate and practical support. Additionally, over 25 agencies provide direct outreach to our guests during meal times, including a Family & Children’s Service Outreach Worker, Catholic Charities, Food Stamps/SNAP Benefits, LawNY, Ithaca Free Clinic, and Challenge Workforce.
Local businesses regularly and generously donate their goods to us including Gimme Coffee, Ithaca Soy, Wegmans, Panera Bread, Starbucks, The Piggery, and many local farms. Last year we received nearly $41,000 worth of food donations.
Serving over 2,700 free meals each month and about 175 meals each day, it is a great blessing that after 40 years our partnership with local businesses, social service agencies and Tompkins County residents is stronger than ever.
Loaves & Fishes has never been simply a place to get a free meal. We have long been committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive community of people who care for and serve one another.
