Our network of volunteer bakers is making a difference at local food pantries through the generous act of donating freshly baked bread. It’s that simple, it’s that wonderful.
Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 50 million people may experience food insecurity, including a potential 17 million children.
Every community in the country is home to families who struggle with food insecurity including rural and suburban communities.
The need for nutritious food donations is greater than ever.
Community Loaves is on the rise, baking up a unique, delicious and nutritious solution.
Beginning in Washington and now Oregon, our growing network of volunteers is baking a difference one Honey Oat Sandwich loaf at a time. In 2020, just under 500 volunteer bakers, drivers, flour packers and baking coaches helped us deliver 8,344 loaves to local food pantries.
HOW IT WORKS
Prospective volunteers attend a one-hour information session where they LEARN the details of the Community Loaves bread donation.
REGISTER and BAKE. Volunteers register to participate in our baking brigade through a simple sign up form. With three bread formulas to choose from, this project is for suitable bakers of all skill level. Need a little help, a robust library of videos and a team of mentors can help see you through your first bake.
DONATE – Twice a month, bakers throughout the region take their Community Loaves to a designated neighborhood hub. These hubs, in turn, deliver those loaves direct to the food pantry, it is an Amazing Race of freshly baked bread.
WHY WE BAKE
“I’m a new baker but my heart has always been in ensuring food security for children and families in our state. Community Loaves is an amazing way for me to learn more about baking and support my local community with delicious bread in the mission of feeding those in need.”
Simone Boe – hub coordinator, Olympia, WA
“My husband and I each had a fat slice of my test loaf and we both agreed that this is one of the best breads I have baked! I was a bit intimidated by the long set of instructions, but after viewing the video clips and going through the steps, it was not hard at all and I am looking forward to participating in next Sunday’s bread brigade!”
Jeannie Bray – volunteer baker, Woodinville, WA
“I never knew what to do or how to help our community. The Community Loaves Project has given me and so many other helpers the opportunity to donate our love of baking.”
Willow Shanahan – volunteer baker, Olympia, WA
“I love baking for Community Loaves! It connects me to a group of caring, giving individuals – most of whom I might not ever meet! I feel empowered that my actions are making a difference in the lives of many.”
Diana Sweeney – volunteer baker, Seattle/Queen Anne, WA
“We bake for local food pantries because it is a great way to serve the community in a time of need when so many of the traditional avenues for service are cut off because of the pandemic. We also love knowing that families in need in our community will get delicious, nutritious, quality food made with local ingredients.”
Chris, Tami and Taylor Neilson – volunteer bakers, Olympia, WA
“Not being able to go anywhere or do much of anything is the worst! I love this project for right now, in the middle of such division in this country. I feel like I am doing something that measurably matters. It’s the greatest thing.”
Sarah Gannholm – volunteer baker, Seattle/Capitol Hill, WA
“I love how this project brings together a community of dedicated bakers and connects them with local mills for flour, deepening our connections with the community through sharing home baked bread.”
Seana Hayden – volunteer baker, Seattle/Ravenna, WA
“Food is my love language. Baking Community Loaves warms my home, and makes me feel connected to a whole community of folks – farmers, millers, bakers, and families who are all nourished by the work.”
Maria Bangal Schroeder – volunteer baker, Ballard, WA
“On the rise, a handful of bakers delivering 19 loaves to a Puget Sound army of bakers and thousands of loaves. Katherine’s energy and enthusiasm has connected enthusiastic bakers with a mission that serves the poorest of our community. This effort has changed so many, reminding us that even in a pandemic, we have abundant gifts to share.”
Tim Kehrli – volunteer packer, Kirkland, WA
“The Community Loaves project allows my love of bread making to fulfill a larger purpose. The local flours coming from our own backyard, the camaraderie you feel when you donate your bimonthly loaves- you can almost feel everyone’s ovens firing up in unison twice a month. Joining the Community Loaves bread brigade and becoming a Hub coordinator has been the most enriching experience and has taught me that we are, indeed, “Breader Together”
Megan Adams – volunteer baker and hub coordinator, Tacoma, WA
“We have folks returning to the food bank asking if it is a bread week. They really enjoy this bread.”
Nicole Novak – food bank supervisor, HopeLink, Kirkland, WA
“I must tell you, I feel like being a part of this project is feeding ME. It truly is feeding my soul to be able to put my love of baking to good use, to join a lovely community, and to feel the joy of serving others.”
Julie Willmes – volunteer baker, Seattle/Ravenna, WA
“Baking bread has been rewarding in so many ways! Above all, being able to provide nourishment that I hope will be physically and spiritually rewarding.”
Greg Satoro– volunteer baker, Seattle/Phinney Ridge, WA
We’re On A Mission To Donate
30,000 Loaves In 2021