Welcome to 5 Loaves Food Pantry - a beacon of hope and support for the Crawford community since 2011.
Established by Vine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, our humble beginnings saw us feeding 7 families out of our Church members' personal pantries. Over the years, with the unwavering support of our community, local businesses, and partnerships with organizations like Middle Tennessee's Second Harvest and others, we've grown into a cornerstone of aid and compassion.
From our modest roots, we've built a 3,200 square foot facility, made possible through generous donations. Today, 5 Loaves serves over 350 families each week, providing not only nourishment and fellowship, but also a place of refuge through our emergency shelter. Additionally, we offer community classes, empowering individuals with valuable skills.
Thank you for visiting our website and learning about our mission. We invite you to join us in our journey of compassion and service, as together, we make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
“Serving Christ, one box at a time.”
5 Loaves
….. more than a food bank.
Weekly Food Give Out
Our weekly food distribution is a lifeline for families in need. Each Friday, we provide one box of essential groceries per family, carefully curated to offer a balanced selection of nutritious items. Our goal is to ensure that every box includes a variety of foods, including 2-4 types of meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, breads, dairy products, non-perishables, and other variable items. By offering this comprehensive support, we strive to alleviate food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits within our community
Community Workshops
We believe in empowering our community beyond just providing food assistance. That's why we offer a range of workshops and classes aimed at enriching lives and building valuable skills. From cooking and nutrition classes that teach healthy meal preparation to computer classes that enhance digital literacy, we provide opportunities for growth and learning. Additionally, our workshops cover essential topics such as first aid and CPR, ensuring community members are equipped with life-saving skills. Alongside practical learning, we offer spaces for spiritual support through prayer requests and foster creativity with quilting classes. These initiatives reflect our commitment to holistic support, nurturing both body and mind within our community
Emergency and Community Resources
We recognize that addressing the needs of our community goes beyond providing food assistance. That's why we've integrated emergency and community resources into our mission. As we built our facility, we identified a critical need for an emergency shelter, which now serves as a refuge for first responders during inclement weather and offers assistance to individuals facing personal emergencies. Additionally, we provide onsite shower and laundry facilities by appointment, supporting unhoused individuals in our area with dignity and respect. These resources reflect our commitment to providing comprehensive support to those in need, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to essential services and care
“The weekly box we receive is sometimes the only food in our home. We are so thankful for all Vine Ridge Church and 5 Loaves does for our community.”
— Anonymous Recipient
Powered by Volunteers
At 5 Loaves, our food pantry is powered by volunteers who graciously donate their time and effort to serve our community. Every aspect of our operation, from stocking shelves to distributing food, is made possible by their dedication. With 100% of donations going directly to serving those in need, we rely on the selflessness of our volunteers to ensure that every dollar and every hour contributes to making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us feed families in Crawford.
Join us in making a difference!
Every week, 5 Loaves Food Pantry serves over 350 families in need within our community and those surrounding us. Your support can provide nourishment, hope, and a brighter future for those facing hardship. Together, we can make a meaningful impact by ensuring that no one goes hungry.
Donate today and help us continue our mission of compassion and service.
“THIS SHIRT FEED FOLKS”
Introducing our 'This Shirt Feeds Folks' campaign! With every purchase of this shirt, you're not just getting a great tee - you're helping to feed a family for one week. Your support goes directly towards our mission of providing essential food assistance to those in need within our community. By wearing this shirt, you're also spreading awareness about our cause and joining us in the fight against hunger. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of others while making a statement that helping folks be fed is a priority we all share
Meet our Board
Doylene Farley, Director
Doyle Howard, Logistics Manager
Patty Howard, Volunteer Coordinator
Faye Bowman, Bookkeeper
Lois Wilson, Prayer Warrior
FAQs
Do I qualify for a food box?
ANY and ALL are welcome at 5 Loaves Food Pantry.
During your first visit, all we ask is that you provide a new member application that includes your name, address, phone number, county of residence, SNAP recipient status, household members and age, along with race. We are required to have these items on file to apply, obtain, and receive recurring funding from our trusted partners and sponsors. This information is not public and held confidentially.
When/how do I receive a food box?
We hand out food every Friday from 1pm to 4pm at our Pantry on Vine Ridge Rd.
Most of the time we have a line starting at 7am on Jones Ln across from the Church and Pantry, you are welcome to arrive throughout the day with latest check in at 4pm. You will not be permitted to exit your vehicle during our give out. You will proceed through the line directed by our Volunteer staff and food will be placed in your vehicle by one of our Volunteers.
I don’t have the ability to cook?
We’re here to help and offer solutions for this instance.
During your visit, please let one of our Volunteers know that you would prefer a “Non Perishables” box. We will try our best to create a balanced box that will fit your needs.
If you have further questions about this or have other needs, please reach out to us
How do you receive funding?
At 5 Loaves, our funding primarily relies on the generosity of individuals and companies, alongside grants secured through the diligent efforts of our director. Additionally, we offer a memorial program, allowing donations in honor of loved ones, which helps fuel our mission. Furthermore, we welcome companies to pledge direct donations to our pantry, fostering partnerships that directly impact our ability to serve those in need.
We ensure transparent accountability, with every penny meticulously tracked. It's essential to emphasize that no funds are allocated to individuals for their service at the food pantry; our entire team operates on a volunteer basis, driven solely by their dedication to serving our community.
Where does your food come from?
Weekly, we receive a substantial shipment of over 5,000lbs of food from Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee, ensuring a consistent supply for those in need. Additionally, Feed America First contributes a monthly shipment, while Feed The Children generously donates supplies once per year. Operation Share also supports our mission with monthly donations.
To supplement these contributions, we collaborate with local retailers such as local Food Lions, Algood Walmart, Rickman and Livingston Dollar General, and Livingston Dollar General Market, picking up perishables and non-perishables weekly. Furthermore, we maintain a partnership with Jerry's IGA in Livingston, purchasing an average of $3,000 worth of staples and non-perishables each month. During the holiday season, Livingston's Save-A-Lot hosts a food drive to further support our efforts.
We are continuously seeking new partnerships to enhance our ability to serve our community effectively.
How can I get involved?
We are always seeking dedicated volunteers to join us in serving those in need. Whether you can offer your time regularly or for a one-time event, your contribution makes a significant difference. If you're interested in getting involved, please submit a contact form, and a member of our board will reach out to discuss how you can help us make a positive impact in our community.
Say Hello!
Whether you have questions about our services or are interested in volunteering, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries or to learn more about how you can get involved. Your support makes a difference in the lives of those we serve, and we're grateful for your interest in joining our mission of compassion and community. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!