Fresh News from Fish & Loaves
Fall Update:
We're a few days into October and there's a lot going on around the Pantry. Not only are we coming off of a successful Par for the Course event in September, but we're working with the four local rotaries to host another Food Drive on Saturday, October 9th at Fish & Loaves. Those interested in donating can drop off their non-perishable goods between 9:00 am and 2:00 (See flyer for more information). "We really rely on these types of community food drives to help stock the pantry shelves" said Sue Vokal,
vice-president of Fish & Loaves' Board of Directors. "These four local rotaries (Taylor, Southgate, Dearborn Heights, and Woodhaven-Brownstown), came together earlier in 2021 to host a community food drive that delivered over 3,800 pound of food for the pantry. We're looking forward to another successful event!" she said.


Fish & Loaves also welcomed a group of volunteers from GM Cares, an initiative by General Motors to encourage their employees to volunteer in their community. In addition to learning more about Fish & Loaves, the group assembled over 200 bags of food for a recent Fresh Market event. "We truly appreciate all of the volunteer service groups that support the pantry's efforts to 'Ensure that No One Goes Hungry' in our communities, especially through the weekly Fresh Market events" said Denise Murray, Fresh Market Volunteer.
Charles F. Vella Memorial Scholarship Announced at Par for the Course Golf Outing

Jim Vella, Founder of the Vella Strategic Philanthropy Group, announced the creation of the Charles F. Vella Memorial Scholarship during his welcoming remarks at the Par for the Course event. The scholarship, he said, was created by his family to support Fish & Loaves in memory of his brother, Charlie, an advocate of the underserved and community leader who was among the founders of Fish & Loaves.

The scholarship is meant to celebrate one student annually who shares that commitment to both family and community. Fish & Loaves will award the scholarship in partnership with the Vella Family in December 2021.

The scholarship will be awarded based on a panel of 3 judges review of two short essay questions, a review of community involvement to date and academic achievements.


  • Essay Submissions, each question response can be 500 words or less:

Question 1: What does family mean to you and why has it been important in your
life?

Question 2: Why is it important to be involved in your community?

  • Community Involvement (non-profit or otherwise, any community service, organization or other type of involvements – mentoring, coaching etc.)
  • Letter of recommendation from either family or community member
  • Submission of GPA & any additional academic achievements or awards

 
ELIGIBILITY:
  •  Candidate must be entering a full time semester at an accredited 4 year university
  •  Candidate must not currently receive assistance for more than half of their annual educational costs by scholarship or grant
  •  Be in academic good standing

DETAILS:
  • Candidates should submit one (1) e-mail with their scholarship essays, community involvement, letters of recommendations and the submission of GPA and/or academic achievement awards as attachments to office@flcfp.org.
  • Candidates should include their name and Vella Memorial Scholarship in the Subject line of the e-mail submission.
  • Applications are due no later than Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

13th Annual Par for the Course Raises Over $25,000
Fish & Loaves hosted their 13th Annual Par for the Course Golf Outing on Saturday, September 18th. The weather was beautiful and over 120 golfers came out to enjoy playing the links at Taylor Meadows Golf Course in Taylor.

In addition to the round of golf, golfers enjoyed lunch at the turn and had the opportunity to participate in raffles and games throughout the day.

The foursome of Bob Hall, Jim Milne, Mike Vokal and John Grant won the 18 hole scramble with a 15-under-par 57 (see left).

In addition, the foursome of Donald Siegel, Gary Schlack, John DeLisle and Angie DeLisle, which won the skins competition during the event (bottom left image).

A big thank you goes out to the sponsors for the event, as well as the Hole Sponsors. For a complete list of our hole sponsors, click here.
2021 Par for the Course Sponsors
Fish & Loaves Receives $25,000 Grant from DTE Energy Foundation
Fish & Loaves received a $25,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation in September. "We are overwhelmed by the ongoing support from the DTE Energy Foundation," said Rev. Geoff Drutchas, president of Fish & Loaves Board of Directors. "This generous grant comes at a critical time. As we approach the fall and winter seasons, we are planning for increased demand from food-insecure members of our community."


This is the second $25,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation to Fish & Loaves in 2021. The support will be used to stock the pantry shelves with groceries to make up healthy meal plans, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

"At the DTE Foundation, we know creating a healthier, more vital Michigan begins with safe, healthy households where basic needs are met," said Rodney Cole, vice president, DTE Foundation. "That's why we continue to partner with relief agencies like Fish & Loaves who put nutritious food on family's tables in their region."

Fish & Loaves serves more than 1.6 million pounds of food per year to residents in seven communities in Wayne Country, where the poverty rate is 17% compared to that of Michigan at 13%. And 26% of Wayne County's children live in poverty compares with 13% in the state, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

As the largest client-choice fond pantry in the State of Michigan, the organization distributes more than 1.6 million pounds of food annually to 3,000 households impacted primarily by job loss.
Volunteers Needed for
Saturday Fresh Markets


Fish and Loaves is in need of volunteers to help assemble and load bags of food into clients' trunks during our Saturday Fresh Markets.

Volunteers are needed from 8:30 am -12:15 pm at Fish and Loaves Food Pantry (25670 Northline Rd.) in Taylor.

There is no contact with the clients, as food is loaded into their trunks and clients stay in their vehicles. "Every precaution is made to keep the market safe and efficient for both volunteers and clients" said Denise Murray, Fresh Market volunteer.

"We've had many questions from parents about bringing their pre-teens and teens to volunteer and earn service hours for the school year. It's a great opportunity to get involved and we welcome their help!" said Murray.

Click here for more information and to sign-up for a Saturday market.
Rotary Food Drive Coming Up on Saturday, October 9th

Please consider picking up some extra non-perishable food this week at the grocery store and drop them off at Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry on Saturday, October 9th, while you're out doing your Saturday errands.

The Rotary Clubs from Taylor, Southgate, Dearborn Heights and Woodhaven-Brownstown, as well as other volunteers will be outside the Pantry collecting food and monetary donations from individuals that wish to support the drive.

Donations on peanut butter, canned soup, stew, fruit, veggies, fish, beans, pasta and rice are always needed. Please do not donate expired food.


Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry | Website