APOPKA, Fla. – In the heart of Apopka, Loaves and Fishes stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion.

Founded in 1984, the organization has been a lifeline for those in need, providing essential support and fostering a sense of belonging for over 41 years.

The story of Loaves and Fishes begins in the citrus groves of Apopka’s past, documented in faded black-and-white photos.

“Look, that’s where we used to be, Loaves and Fishes. Isn’t that amazing? 1984. That’s when it first started.” Lory Reeves said as she thumbed through a photo album that offers a glimpse of the food pantry’s early days.

The nonprofit’s director smiled as she ran her fingers over the spiral bound images.

“Oh my gosh, look at this,” she said, amazed to see the faces of volunteers who still show up regularly.

In the 1980s, devastating freezes wiped out the orange groves that defined much of west Orange County. The frost left many migrant workers without jobs.

“Apopka had huge orange groves and a lot of workers. Of course, that’s where they were employed. Well, back in the ’80s, we suffered a very major, devastating freeze,” Reaves recalled. “They started inundating the churches. They were lost. They didn’t know where else to go.”

With jobs lost and families in need, those local churches joined forces to create a centralized support system. Thus, Loaves and Fishes was born, founded by the Apopka Ministerial Association, St. Francis of Assisi and the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit.

From its humble beginnings in a small building where bags of rice were distributed, Loaves and Fishes has grown into a robust organization.

Reeves says today many of the clients are seniors on a fixed income who can’t keep up with inflation.

“Most of them rent. Their rent keeps going up astronomically, not just a little bit, but horribly. And they have no way of making any more money,” Reeves said. “So they’re coming here. And a lot of times they’re saying, ‘I don’t know what I would do without this. I don’t know how I would eat.‘”

One client, Carolyn Barker-Carson, has been visiting Loaves and Fishes for over five years. She describes the organization as a place where she is treated like a human, not just a recipient of services.

“They remember who I am and what’s going on in my household,” she shared, highlighting the genuine care and support she receives.

The pantry provides Barker-Carson with weekly food bags containing 20 to 25 food items, along with monthly distributions of household and toiletry products.

The organization serves about 300 clients each week, including 19 to 20 homeless individuals who receive daily lunches.

What sets Loaves and Fishes apart is its unwavering commitment to community support without relying on government funding. The organization thrives on the generosity of local churches, individuals and businesses. In 2011, a significant expansion was funded entirely by community donations, allowing for a new parking lot and warehouse space.

Central to the success of Loaves and Fishes are its 75 volunteers.

Maria Bryant works the window each day.

“I love helping people. Being retired, it’s healthy for myself. I get to meet all kinds of different people. We laugh and I’m really blessed to work with such beautiful people,” Bryant said.

Volunteers perform a variety of tasks, from picking up donations from local businesses to sorting and distributing food. Their dedication is evident in the personal connections they form with clients, learning their names and stories.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges, but Loaves and Fishes adapted quickly. The organization implemented pass-through windows to maintain social distancing while continuing to serve the community. The innovation has not only ensured safety but also improved service efficiency.

As Loaves and Fishes celebrates over four decades of service, it remains a vital resource for the Apopka community. With a focus on compassion, dignity and community support, Loaves and Fishes continues to embody the spirit of giving and the power of collective action.

The organization operates Monday through Thursday, ensuring that those in need receive the help they require.