The weekly free meal, served on Thursdays at lunch is open to all of Archuleta County, including visitors to the community and transients. Operating for the past 18 years, Loaves and Fishes now serves over 15,000 meals annually.
"Every Thursday, my Sweet Al and I attend lunch at Loaves and Fishes. I am reminded that someone had the foresight to plant from their own heart something that would enrich our community. Each week I see individuals from the community toil together. With their bright eyes and smiles, I get to be the beneficiary of serving hearts."
Betty Slade in "Artist's Lane"
"Thank you for letting us serve. You guys are amazing."
Volunteer Colton Lucero, Fifth Grade Gift of Giving Class, Pagosa Elementary
"Loaves and Fishes is integral to our community. It is a true community meal, offered once a week for all who wish to attend and eat. For as many as fifty percent, Loaves and Fishes provides the only hot meal they will have in a given week. Others come for the fellowship. Most come for both. Above all, staff and volunteers provide a delicious and well balanced meal and treat everyone who walks through the door with kindness and dignity. The goal is that a homeless couple arriving for a free lunch are treated the same as guests in a three star restaurant."
The Reverend Douglas E. Neel, Rector, St. Patrick's Episcopal Church
The purpose of Loaves and Fishes of Archuleta County, serving as a community based organization, is to provide nutritious meals in a safe, warm and caring environment, free of charge, to anyone who comes seeking nourishment and fellowship. Further, the mission is to provide access to community services and resources to those in need, while providing opportunities for volunteers to give of themselves in service to others.
Loaves and Fishes of Archuleta County was founded by four Pagosa Springs' women in 2005 with the goal of providing a weekly, free lunch to the Archuleta County community. What initially started as a sack lunch, evolved quickly into a sit-down hot meal. The organization received non-profit, 501(c)(3) designation in 2010 under Federal and State laws. Numbers of meals served and numbers of volunteers and sponsors have continued to increase from humble beginnings to the present day. Loaves and Fishes has become an essential service to the community and remains of service even in times of national emergency.
Organization name
Loaves and Fishes of Archuleta County Colorado
Tax id (EIN)
27-2173598
Category
Food, Agriculture & Nutrition
Address
Loaves and Fishes of Archuleta County P.O. Box 5485Archuleta County, CO, US
Phone
630 336 5858
Other
970-731-0895