5Loaves2Fish Feeding Body and Spirit!

By Zeke Fleet, CUMC Missions Committee

 

There is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many people? Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’  Then Jesus took the loaves and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated, and also the fish, as much as they wanted.                                                                                                      John 6:9-11

SUPPORT 5Loaves2Fish through Central Missions with a monetary donation by clicking here (make sure to designate ‘Missions’ from the dropdown menu.

 

Mission Statement

5Loaves2Fish Northern Michigan is an outreach group that promotes compassion by providing nourishing meals, infused with love, to those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness. WE FEED PEOPLE!

A Background Rooted in Compassion

At the onset of COVID in 2019, Leelanau area residents Michelle and Bill White realized the need of vulnerable residents for essential nutritious meals. This was the original impetus of 5Loaves2Fish. Because of their compassion, the Whites organized a plan, and with the gracious help of Leland community members, they began serving healthy meals to people in need. Since then, this non-profit 501(c)3 organization has expanded its services by preparing and delivering meals in Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse Counties. 5Loaves,2Fish continues to meet the challenge by providing nearly 2,000 meals per month, and the demand continues to grow. 

Food Costs Rising Along With the Need

The rising cost of food and the incidents of food insecurity and homelessness have been on the rise, with 40 percent of the population of Leelanau County struggling with food insecurity issues on a regular basis. According to the USDA, grocery prices have increased nearly 25%. The cost of food in Michigan is in the top third of all states. 5Loaves2Fish have also felt the burden of these cost increases.

The need for meals and costs for food continues to grow. 5Loaves2Fish is most appreciative of organizations such as Goodwill’s Food Rescue that distributes fresh, healthy food to community kitchens and food pantries at no cost. 5Loaves2Fish partners with several other area organizations that help make its efforts possible.

Year	Meals Served by 5Loaves2Fish
2022	10,376
2023	16,378
2024	22,563
2025 (YTD through Sept.)	15,546

 

Homemade meals by 5Loaves2Fish are served at the following locations:

 

Mondays

Veteran’s Park at 5 p.m., corner of 11th St. & Elmwood Ave.

Safe Harbor at 6 p.m.

Leelanau Christian Neighbors, Lake Leelanau during pantry hours

Tuesdays

Leland Community UMC 4- 6:00 p.m.

Empire Food Pantry, Glen Arbor – pre-packaged meals-to-go 

Lake Ann UMC Food Pantry 

Wednesdays

Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay 4-5:30 p.m.

Lake Ann UMC Food Pantry

Thursdays

Bethany Lutheran Church, Northport 4-5:30 p.m.

Saint Kateri Catholic Church, Peshawbestown 4-6 p.m.

Lake Ann UMC Food Pantry

How Can We at Central Help?

Rising food costs and more requests for meals have elevated the importance of support for 5Loaves2Fish. Your financial contributions help provide for this life-sustaining organization that supplies healthy, fresh meals to those in need. 

• For online donations, please select Central Missions on the dropdown and designate 5Loaves2Fish, or designate 5Loaves2Fish on your offering checks.
• Drop off change, paper currency, or checks in the contribution bucket in Central’s gathering area.
• Donate fresh or frozen, unexpired, unopened food at Leland Community UMC at 106 N. Fourth St. in Leland.

Thank you for providing hope for those in need!

For online donations, please select Central Missions on the dropdown and designate 5Loaves2Fish.

You can make a donation to Central Mission’s online here.

Designate 5Loaves2Fish on your online donation or on your offering checks.

Other ways to assist from 5Loaves2fish:

We have been asked about ways to give.  There is Time, Talent and Treasure … if you are interested in getting involved with 5Loaves2Fish please head on over to our website.  There is information on where we serve, how you can help serve, as well as donate.  We have recently set up an account for stock transfers if that is of interest. Thank you to all who support our mission: We Feed People because YOU! www.5loaves2fishnmi.org