5 Loaves, 2 Fish

In the spring of 2015, the need for a summer food program in Garner, IA came to the attention of a group of women in Bible Study. However, this need arose after the cutoff date to receive funding from the government for a summer food program. Although this news was discouraging, it looked promising to become a sponsor site from a local USDA Food Summer Service Program, but that fell through as well. So, it became clear that God was prompting the community of Garner to come together and take a step of faith to create its own summer food program.

It started with $0, no food, and kids in need of food. There was simply a vision from God to raise the money, reach out for food donations, and feed the kids in the community. The funds, resources, food donations, and volunteers for the summer program quickly multiplied similar to the loaves and fish in the Bible story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to name the ministry 5 Loaves 2 Fish.

Meals were served Monday-Friday each day in the summer of 2015, and eventually the idea of a summer food program grew into so much more. It became a community coming together to serve the community and build community.

Beyond the summer meals, 5 Loaves 2 Fish had the privilege of joining forces with churches, the school, and members of the community to provide back to school supplies, new and gently used clothing, and winter gear as needs arose.

In May of 2016, 5 Loaves 2 Fish became incorporated as a non-profit in the state of Iowa and looks forward to the ways God will work through this ministry in this year and the years to come.