Markoh's on Main 30 For 30 Challenge to Benefit Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry

“30 For 30 Challenge”

The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry is  looking for local businesses and civic groups to join the "30 for 30" campaign - run a food drive for 30 days to support the pantry’s 30 years of service to the six local towns of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton and Shirley. They are asking businesses and organizations to select a month in the calendar year to support them with a food drive.

Loaves & Fishes has seen a 42% increase in demand since 2007 and a 10% increase last year alone. The Pantry needs the assistance of the entire community to help maintain the care of these families.

The increased need is being driven, in part, by the growing number of people struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, everything  from food to utilities, say pantry representatives.

"The face of hunger is changing, and Loaves & Fishes is seeing more and more people come to them for help. During 2012 we welcomed 332 new families to the Pantry." Patty Stern, Executive Director for the food pantry, said in a statement. "Many of these new families report having been comfortable middle class income families and now, one or both wage earners are unemployed or underemployed."

In fact, 57% of all of Loaves & Fishes clients are in that situation with another 31% either retired or disabled. They struggle with the challenges of keeping their homes from foreclosure, heating their homes, and feeding their children. That is why Loaves & Fishes is reaching out to local businesses to sign-up for a month-long food drive to help all of these people at their most vulnerable time.

Loaves & Fishes can provide guidelines for running a food drive as well as signage schedule a tour or book a speaking engagement.  Loaves and fishes can assist in picking up the food once it's collected if that is needed.

Lucia’s Tavola and Markoh’s on Main support “The Loaves and Fishes Food Bank” and are excited to join in their 30 for 30 campaign.  If you own a business or are a member of a civic organization we challenge you to join us. 

You don’t have to be a business or a large organization to make a significant difference in our neighbors’ lives.  If you garden at home, consider planting an extra row for the food pantry or if you pick your own why not gather that extra bushel.  The pantry has many drop-off locations and all donations great and small are appreciated.

Check out Loave Fishespantry.org  or to start your own drive email drives@loavesfishespantry.org

Most Needed Items

Canned meats
Canned white tuna
Helpers
Boxed potatotes
Boxed flavored rice
Canned pears
Canned pineapple
Catsup & mayo
Pasta & pasta sauce
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothpaste
Deodorant