“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.”
Matthew 25:35
Loaves and Fishes Outreach Ministries supports vulnerable people in two of the most deprived neighborhoods in the Capital District living with the injustice of food scarcity by providing nourishing food, clothing, and essential items, and by connecting guests to valuable community resources.
The ministry is 100% volunteer based and is located at St. Francis Mission on Clinton Avenue in Albany. It is open every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. As a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany it draws its support from parishes throughout the area.
In addition to supplying nutritious food, its mission and purpose is to bring people to Jesus by feeding the body, heart, mind, and soul, and to fight the negative effects of food insecurity in the community it serves.
The Need
Food insecurity is a major public health concern and societal injustice. A food-insecure household cannot provide enough food for all its members because of a lack of resources. To be food-secure means one has access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life. Nutrition Security is of vital importance – that is consistent access, availability, and affordability of foods and beverages that promote well-being, prevent disease, and, if necessary, treat disease.
Impactful Statistics:
- More than 47 million people in the USA face hunger, including 1 in 5 children.
- 100% of US counties have food insecurity.
- In 2023 alone, more than 50 million people turned to food assistance for extra help.
- The US loses 40% of its food to landfill every year.
- In Albany County 1 in 9 adults and 1 in 7 children are food insecure.
- 30% of the population of Albany lives below the poverty line.
- Food insecurity disproportionately affects people from racial and ethnic minorities and socio-economically disadvantaged populations. It is inextricably linked to poverty.
“Almost certainly, the first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind…without it all other components of social justice are meaningless.”
Norman Borlaug, Nobel Peace Prize Recipient
On average, they serve 365 meals a week.
Healthy Food is a Basic Human Right
The chefs produce nutritious, attractive meals with care and respect.
Community
Some of the wonderful volunteers!
Sponsor Parishes
When a parish helps Loaves and Fishes by supplying volunteers, donating clothing, donating funds, promoting them on social media, or advocating for the proper funding of hunger prevention programs, it is helping Loaves and Fishes fulfil its mission.
Its sponsor parishes include:
- St. Francis Mission, Albany
- St. Stephen’s, Delmar
- St. Paul’s, Albany
- Christ Church, Duanesburg
- St. Michael’s, Colonie
- Church of Our Saviour, Lebanon Springs
- St. Peter’s, Albany
- St. George’s, Clifton Park
- St. Matthew’s, Latham
- St. Andrew’s, Albany
- Trinity, Watervliet
- St. George’s, Schenectady
- The Cathedral of All Saints
- Grace Church, Waterford
Add your Parish to the list!
Community Resources
The ministry is compassion and justice driven, and is committed to advocating for and educating its guests.
It regularly hosts events that offer its guests opportunities to be connected with important information and services.
Get Involved
There are many ways you can help with this vital ministry:
- Volunteer
- Donate
- Advocate
- Pray
- Organize a drive for essential items
- Like and follow us Facebook
- Reduce food waste
Support Loaves and Fishes
Volunteer – Sign up here
Like and Follow the ministry on Facebook
Make a tax deductible donation – Scan here
For any inquiries, please contact:
loavesandfishesalbany@gmail.com
Loaves and Fishes Outreach Ministries
Located at: St. Francis Mission, 498 Clinton Avenue, Albany, 12206
Mailing Address: PO Box 6381, Albany, NY 12206