Our Story

How We Started

• 1978: Sharon Waters spearheaded our first Thanksgiving meal.

• 1980: The rector of the Cathedral welcomed the program to its permanent home.

• 1990s: We served approximately 600 guests every meal

• 2010s: We shifted to 200 weekly guests, allowing for a more intimate, restaurant-style experience and deeper personal connection with every neighbor

• Today: What began as a single holiday meal has grown into a year-round hot lunch on the last two Saturdays of every month.

Our Growth & Community

Our name, Loaves and Fishes, reflects the "multiplication" we have witnessed in Trenton since 1978. 

It isn't just about the food; it’s about the community that grows around it:

• A Growing Mission: Our community has multiplied in both the number of dedicated volunteers and the neighbors we serve.

• Deepening Bonds: Returning volunteers develop special bonds with guests, creating a true community and helping to alleviate loneliness.

Our Values & Christian Faith

• Our Guiding Philosophy: Inspired by Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement, we serve our guests as if they were in a restaurant—with dignity, respect, and a personal touch.

• Partnership: Each meal is powered by a sponsoring group (churches, schools, or clubs) supported by our core committee to ensure every guest is welcomed.

• Spiritual Presence: We believe that as we feed the hungry and welcome the stranger, our Lord is mysteriously present among us.

All are welcome.