Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes

Thanks to funding from the City of Nanaimo’s share of provincial gaming revenue, over 8,000 people a year benefit from one of the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank depots in the city, and more than 45 non-profits and schools get access to free food. “If you need good food, don’t be shy. Loaves and Fishes recognizes that there’s a need and fills it,” says retiree Joyce Lautermilch, a former food bank client and now a regular volunteer with the organization. “When times are tough, getting a hamper sustains you with good food so that you're eating properly.” In 2016, Loaves and Fishes received $90,000 from the City of Nanaimo’s share of gaming revenue, which was used to purchase their new warehouse. In the past, funding was used to purchase a refrigerated five-ton truck.