Loaves and Fishes also feeds a creative community

“Several years ago when my children were young, we volunteered at the Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa (LFCC) Oakley facility serving the needy,” noted Jean Kinsel, a teacher at Husky House, an after school and summer program for elementary-age school children.  “Each week we have arts, crafts, cooking classes, and outdoor play centered on a particular theme,” explained Jean.  Jean decided on a robot craft, but, the problem was where to find enough cans for 30-40 children in one week? Jean still receives the LFCC newsletters, and  remembered the massive amounts of food served each day.  She contacted LFCC.

Today LFCC has expanded our services, with five dining rooms serving Contra Costa County since July 1st. This week we will produce over 800 meals a day to meet the expanded needs in the community due to the downturn in the economy, many of these diners are children. That is a far greater number than the 400 meals a day served when Jean and her children volunteered just a few short years ago.

Our Catering Kitchen Manager & Chef, Carmen Schiavone came to the rescue of the class from Husky House for Kids. “Carmen was more than willing and able to save enough cans for me in one short day!” said Jean. The project went wonderfully. The children were very creative, with a few examples shown here with our story. “Thank you for making an idea come to life,” Kinsel added. At LFCC we are proud to say that we do two things really well. We feed our clients tummies and we feed our volunteers soul, by providing a great way to volunteer and take care of others in our community. Now we do a third thing, we inspire creativity and help kids make some great robots!