What is Loaves & Fishes?

The Loaves and Fishes project started in Oct 1987.  Archdeacon Welch, vicar of All Saints at the time was quoted in the Nelson Mail “This meal service is starting due to an ever increasing gap between the haves and have-nots.”
In the more than 25 years since then, hot, dinner-type lunches have been provided by teams of volunteers in the hall behind the church on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with only statutory holidays off between early February and Christmas.  
Diners come and go from time to time, as their circumstances change.  What they frequently have in common is the challenge of dealing with the complexities of life such as filling in forms, accessing the internet, and negotiating for reasonable rent or benefit entitlements. 
We offer the opportunity for our diners to meet and make friends.

Some of our generous sponsors over the years include Sealord, Ewings Poultry, Community Fruit Harvest, Hope Community Church and St Peters Atawhai.  As well, many individuals and couples have thought to donate to this project for which the need keeps growing.

These are examples of what Loaves and Fishes means for our diners

“After what WINZ has paid me on a sickness benefit and my expenses are taken out my food bill always suffers.  Having a wonderful establishment like Loaves and Fishes saves me each week with meals to get me through the hard times.” Ed

“The meals are excellent – without the goodwill of Loaves and Fishes a lot of people would be lost, hungry and wondering the streets.” Pam

“We’re all in the same boat when we eat together – we learn to mix with people instead of staying home hungry, alone and sad.” Tom

“I have started coming to the lunches at All Saints.  Thank you.  It makes my days easier knowing I have a lunch three days a week otherwise I wouldn’t eat lunch.” Mary

Please consider donating to help keep Loaves and Fishes afloat.
Click on the button below for how to help.

How to Help