ADRIAN — The Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry has a new location in Adrian. The food pantry moved from its previous location at 423 W. Maumee St., and officially opened at the First United Methodist Church of Adrian on May 16.
Fishes & Loaves, which started in 2010, is part of Neighbors of Hope, a nonprofit based in Adrian. Pastor Steven Palmer, executive director of the agency, said the move to the Methodist church came after donations dropped off after the pandemic, and the board decided it was time to restructure the agency.
The building at the previous location was sold, and Palmer contacted First United Methodist about using some of their space for the food pantry. He said First United Methodist was the first partner he thought of for a new location because the two organizations “share a parallel social ministries vision.”
“We’re both very keen and interested and committed and passionate about helping the disenfranchised in the community, particularly those who are experiencing food insecurities,” Palmer said.
The Rev. Alice Ford of First United Methodist Church echoed Palmer’s vision of bringing together two groups that are committed to bringing food to those in need.
“Adrian First does a lot of food-based ministry, so we had enough space to be able to bring the food pantry in and to partner with Neighbors of Hope in that ministry,” she said.
The move to the new location started a few months ago, said Cheri Constable, Fishes & Loaves pantry manager. She said that about 50,000 pounds of food was moved from the old location to the new one.
The move is “still a work in progress,” Ford said.
Approximately 3,000 pounds of food are given out each month, Palmer said. Fishes & Loaves participants can receive an allotment every 30 days, Palmer said, which complements and supplements other food pantries in the area.
Eligibility for the food pantry is based on income and family size, Constable said. Birth certificates are needed for children under 18 for families that are applying for assistance.
The income limit is 150% of the low-income level set by the United States Department of Agriculture, and proof of income is required. Participants need to reside in Lenawee County, and proof of residency is required.
Shopping at the food pantry is by appointment only. Appointments can be made over the phone. The food pantry door is located at Door 8 on the south side of the church. Hours for the food pantry are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
The Fishes & Loaves pantry can be reached by phone at 517-759-4421, or by email at [email protected].
