Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa CountyLoaves & Fishes of Contra Costa has been feeding the hungry for over 25 years. Jolene Lafayette and Eleanor Bonner are Development Director and Interim Executive Director, respectively. Loaves & Fishes run 5 dining rooms in Antioch, Bay Point, Martinez, and Oakley. They serve between 800-900 nutritious meals at lunchtime.

Overhead is less than 15%, as they use 200 volunteers for cooking, food prep, serving, setup, cleaning, and drivers. Over 80% of food is donated. They buy mostly protein. They have a FEMA Food Grant that helps them purchase from the Food Bank. The ‘face’ of diners has changed in recent years. Before it was homeless and really needy. Now there are more families. It is a matter of budgeting for families finding themselves without a job or just a part-time job. Many parents can only afford cheap carbohydrates. Or it is a choice between food and gas.

Community Services represented by Bob and Brett presented a check to Jolene and Eleanor. Bob has volunteered previously with L&F.