Loaves & Fishes

Loaves & Fishes prepares and provides lunch packs to children in schools from Tauranga to Te Puke who would otherwise go without. By supplying a midday meal, we aim to support children’s learning and meet their daily nutritional needs.

HOW WE HELP

The Loaves & Fishes Project has been running for 17 years. Over the past 12 months, we have delivered 13,100 lunch packs. Early every Monday and Tuesday morning, a team prepares the lunches in the St Mary’s Catholic Church kitchen.

A typical lunch pack includes one piece of fruit, a savoury bun, and a snack. Vinnies volunteers and Public Health Nurses deliver the packs to Tauranga schools.

Several generous organisations donate food, making it possible for the project to operate. Demand continues to grow, and this service remains essential.

If you are a school or Public Health Nurse in need, please reach out to us.

VOLUNTEERING & DONATING

If you are interested in volunteering, donating fresh fruit, or require assistance, please contact Meari:
Phone: 07-548 0398
Mobile: 027 373 1416
Email: fullstop@xtra.co.nz

YOUNG VINNIES SUPPORTING LOAVES & FISHES

The Young Vinnies Aquinas team picked fruit that was added to the lunches provided to children who do not bring food to school, and to support families in need. Well done Young Vinnies!

A HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT

WHAT OUR VOLUNTEERS SAY

“I joined Loaves and Fishes for one simple reason — I hate to think of children going without lunches. Jesus said: ‘Feed my lambs.’ So we do the best we can. The friendships I’ve made are a real bonus.” — Judith MacKinnon, Tauranga

“I used to be a teacher and I want to help the less fortunate schools. I love the feeling when I hand over the food parcels. Helping these children gives me purpose in retirement.” — Bev Joblin, 81, Tauranga