Dear Neighbor,

 For 33 years, Loaves & Fishes has provided hospitality, free nutritious meals, friendship and advocacy to Tompkins County residents. Each day, we serve and support those members of our community who are suffering from poverty, mental and physical heath challenges and personal crises of all kinds. Loaves & Fishes is in a unique position to help people in need because individuals will often seek help obtaining food as it becomes a matter of survival.

 Our guests often have other unmet critical needs. While sharing a meal, our guests begin to feel comfortable revealing that they need help. Through the Loaves & Fishes Advocacy Program, we provide ongoing emotional and practical support, connecting our guests with outreach workers from over 20 local social service agencies.

 We provide support for these members of our community from within the community itself. Unlike other national non-profit organizations, Loaves & Fishes is operated entirely by Tompkins County residents, including 20-30 volunteers each day, who are committed to serving the local community.

 However, Loaves & Fishes is experiencing growing pains. We have seen a significant increase in the number of meals we serve. We are serving 15.5 % more meals now then in 2011, over 3,000 meals each month.

 Unfortunately, we have also seen an increase in our operational costs for food and supplies. We rely on the contributions of local organizations and individuals to meet our budget and to continue serving over 36,000 free meals each year.

 Please help us make a meaningful and long-lasting difference in our guests’ lives. Your Giving Is Gorges contribution ensures that Tompkins County residents always have a place to go when in need of food, loving kindness, and practical support.

 Sincerely,

 Rev. Christina Culver, Executive Director