One in six people in Kalamazoo County experiences food insecurity, forcing many families to choose between groceries and other essentials.
For more than four decades, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has worked to make sure no neighbor faces hunger alone. Since 1982, the organization has provided food assistance built on dignity and respect, serving residents across Kalamazoo County with help from donors, volunteers, and community partners.
The organization operates with a small staff — fewer than 30 employees — which makes volunteer support essential to its daily work. Volunteers help in the warehouse building food boxes, staff the call center, and support operations in ways that allow the organization to stretch its reach further than its staff size alone would allow.
Food donations help fill gaps in the pantry shelves. Non-perishable items are always useful, whether donated through a cupboard cleanout, purchased from the organization’s donation wish list, or collected through a food drive. Loaves & Fishes also accepts fresh produce and meat packaged by a licensed processor.
Financial support plays a significant role as well. The organization reports that 92% of every dollar donated goes directly to its programs, and its bulk purchasing power allows it to stretch each contribution further — the organization spent approximately $2 million on food in a recent year alone. Recurring monthly gifts, even starting at $10, provide steady support throughout the year.
There are three simple ways to get involved: donating food, donating time, or making a financial contribution. Each one helps put meals on the table for families across Kalamazoo County.
To learn more or get started, visit Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes’ website.
