Good things happened in 2022! The new HR committee of our Board of Directors collected data and made recommendations that brought our staff salaries and benefits in line with other area non-profits and our staff worked with local construction partners to scope out a renovation that is now almost complete.

Most importantly, our staff worked together with our volunteers in distributing almost 2 million pounds of food. The number of people needing food assistance rose by 19% in 2022 as the costs of living in the greater Charlottesville community, including the cost of food, have increased. Your support helps us respond to growing numbers of pantry visitors—we gave free groceries to an average of 100 households on each of the four distribution days in 2022. Thus far in 2023, the average number of households on each distribution day has grown to 130.

Thanks to our community partners and generous donors like you, the amount of food that is fresh or frozen continues to increase, ensuring that what we provide—fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, meat—supports a healthy diet. We are grateful to all who continue to make that possible. If you have not had a chance to donate to Loaves & Fishes yet this year, we ask that you do so today by sending a check or clicking the Donate button on our website.

If you are a financial supporter, volunteer, community partner, or staff member, Loaves & Fishes appreciates what you are doing to make the pantry an effective agent in serving neighbors who must make hard choices between adequate food, shelter, and medical treatment. What you are doing matters. If you are reading this and have not yet come to learn how you can be a part of our mission, please come to the pantry for a tour. You will
be glad that you did!

With Gratitude,

Jim Berlin, Board Chair 2021–2023
Jane Colony Mills, Executive Director