Loaves and Fishes Ministries, Inc.
Assistance for families in Hartford, CT
Hunger is always with us
Loaves and Fishes Ministries directly impacts families throughout the Asylum Hill neighborhood and in greater Hartford who eat in our soup kitchen and then use our related programs to move beyond immediate crisis needs. Recent national studies all find that more Americans continue to be hungry than ever before, despite concerted efforts on the part of non-profits and volunteers working together. Poor families repeatedly run short of food, and far too many families suffer from “very low food security”–which means they have to skip meals or not eat for a day due to lack of funds. In the Asylum Hill neighborhood of Hartford, this “very low food security” is what we address, day in and day out, at Loaves and Fishes Ministries. No matter how hard we work, hunger is always with us, but we believe we can do something to alleviate the problem for motivated clients when we have partners who care.
Serving the Asylum Hill neighborhood
Loaves and Fishes Ministries was founded in 1982 and has been serving residents of the Asylum Hill neighborhood for almost 35 years as an independent non-profit organization intent on change. Clients report their lives have been changed because they come to the soup kitchen hungry and leave having eaten what is often their only hot meal of the day. We served more than 35,000 meals annually in our soup kitchen.
A daily, full hot meal
We have never had to turn away a client due to lack of food or inability to provide take home extras. All who come to eat at Loaves and Fishes and abide by our organization’s rules are served, and gain the benefit of a daily, full hot meal and take home extras.
Job Training
Our clients are 85% minority, and 40% percent female. Single mothers and families continue to be a large portion of our population. Homeless figures remain difficult to pin down, for the reason that many clients stay with friends or relatives on a rotating basis but have no permanent home. The percentage of those we see in our soup kitchen who are working poor remains at approximately 33%; these individuals are now looking for help with food and are also making use of our job training program for help with job skills and employment.
Recent update
Meals Served at 10 Woodland St., in the Immanuel Congregational Church
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
As our world grows more uncertain and more divided, Loaves and Fishes’ programs become ever more important for our clients who need help with food and any other security we can provide. We have seen numbers fluctuate early in 2025, with some days very busy and others strangely quiet. We know the need still exists; in fact, in many ways it is greater now than ever before. Clients trust our staff, and love our food – once they arrive at our dining room they continue to enjoy the meal.
And, we continue to see some positive change in the dining room as diners relax over their meals, connect with friends, and engage with volunteers.
Of course, you know that one of the most important reasons this anxiety is reduced is our ability, with your help, to provide full service in our soup kitchen, Monday through Friday, including not only full meals but the additional take away food—sandwiches, bread, produce, canned goods, desserts, and specialty items that are donated by Big Y and Whole Foods each week on Wednesdays and Fridays. We know that letting clients make their own pantry bags from these donated items means putting them in control, and allows them to choose what fresh produce, fruit, salads, and other specialty items most appeal to their individual palates.
And staff knows that another big reason our community has continued to restore calm is thanks to all of you. Our volunteers serve our meals to our diners every day. We know this not only demonstrates respect for our clients and shows them dignity, but it also allows us to bring together individuals from disparate communities to meet as equals, Monday through Friday.
Allison Hild
Exec. Director
Wish List
Loaves and Fishes Ministries: Pantry Wish List 2024-2025
1. Canned tuna fish & chicken
2. Nutritious soups
3. Beef stew or chili
4. Canned beans
5. Canned vegetables
6. Tomato sauce/canned tomatoes
7. Canned spaghetti and meatballs (or similar products)
8. Boxed macaroni and cheese
9. Canned fruit
10. Ramen noodles
11. Granola bars / Cereal bars (without nuts is preferred)
12. Pasta
13. Toiletries/personal items
Volunteer Calendar
We are here for you
Thank You for Your Dedication to Our Clients
If you think you may be short on volunteers for your day, please call us 48 hours in advance (if possible) so we can find extra help. We understand that sometimes you have questions about serving at Loaves & Fishes. We are here to answer those questions! Please do not hesitate to call us at 524-1730. Remember, when weather is difficult, the group contact makes the decision concerning group attendance. It is always your call.
Certificate Program
At L & F we want to make sure that we never lose sight of the individuals behind the numbers. No matter how much we pay attention to numbers and results, we put our greatest emphasis on those people coming in the door to eat a much needed meal; on meeting their needs where we find them. We track the number of clients who move from one program into related services – to determine how many clients are able to move beyond crisis intervention of the soup kitchen into individual economic development of our job training program, or our sewing program. And all of our clients and programs benefit from your support of our certificate program.
Send a certificate today
Our certificates are a thoughtful, creative way to remember friends and relatives during the holidays and year-round. At the same time that donors remember a loved one, they also help fill the needs of the hungry and homeless. The vast majority of certificates are sent for Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year, but we also receive requests for certificates in honor of weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and memorials. Each year, Loaves & Fishes processes close to 200 certificates.. Call the office (860-524-1730) for an order form.
Testimonials
Some quotes from volunteers and clients
Loaves and Fishes Ministries is a tax-exempt, charitable organization that provides human services to the poor in Hartford, CT. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the Asylum Hill neighborhood of Hartford, CT, as a step toward the larger goal of creating diverse, healthy, and self-motivated communities. We serve low-income and poverty level individuals and families. Loaves & Fishes provides support services for these individuals trying to break the cycle of dependency. Through education, food, counseling, and economic development programs we hope to provide at least some of the community fabric that is critical to personal achievement. By assisting those people who are below the poverty level we expect to have positive repercussions within the community in terms of reduced crime and violence, removal of slums and blight, and an improved overall living environment.
United Way State Campaign Code #5328