Loaves & Fishes: A Brief History

1995

Volunteers from St. Pius X in Appleton begin providing one meal a month for the Emergency Shelter Food Program. This effort later becomes Loaves & Fishes of the Fox Valley, Inc.

1996

Nineteen churches join the Emergency Shelter Food Program (ESFP).

1998

Loaves & Fishes provides volunteers every day of the year to cook and serve at the Emergency Shelter.

1999

Successful pilot program results in Loaves & Fishes establishing The Community Meal serving every Monday night at St. Joe’s Middle School— guests numbering 35+/night.

2000

The Community Meal moves to Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton.

2009

Wellness aspect added by Faith in Action, which provides private health screenings, consultations, and referrals.

2010

The Community Meal begins serving an additional meal per week on Wednesday nights, routinely serving over 100 guests per meal.

2014

The Community Meal begins serving a third meal per week on Friday nights.

2016

The Community Meal moves to the Salvation Army building at 130 E. North Street in Appleton as a temporary location after Trinity Lutheran Church is sold.

2017

The Community Meal moves to its new permanent location at the St. Therese Activity Center 213 E. Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton.

2020

Loaves & Fishes celebrates 25th anniversary.