Topic: Loaves and Fishes

Empty bowls-Hope not hunger!

November 10, 2009 |

There is a wonderful “grassroots” movement growing around the country with the mission of feeding the hungry, disadvantaged and homeless and it’s called “EMPTY BOWLS.”   The effort is based on the international Empty Bowls program, where volunteers create bowls that are used to serve a meal of soup and bread during a fundraiser. The bowls serve as a reminder that there are always empty bowls in the world.

When you think of hunger and poverty, a lot of people think about 3rd world countries and they may not be aware that right here in Clarksville, Montgomery County we have a big need.  There are many people who are hungry, and although we have several local programs like Urban Ministries Grace Assistance Food Pantry, Loaves and Fishes (Soup Kitchen), FUEL and others, the need is still great. Agencies have reported close to a 40% increase in the number of persons they are serving, up from last year at this time. According to the USDA, over 36 million Americans are food insecure…and just do not have enough to eat.

Empty Bowls

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APSU’s 25th annual Halloween Concert continues entertaining

October 27, 2009 |

Traditionally, the adjectives “creepy” and “scary” aren’t used to describe a musical performance, but on this occasion, Austin Peay State University music professor David Steinquest thinks they’re apt.

He used these macabre terms recently to describe the University’s annual Percussion Ensemble Halloween Concert. For the last 25 years, this strange blend of music and mayhem has set the mood for the October holiday, and it’s proven to be wildly popular among Clarksville residents.

“It’s a very family-friendly concert, and it’s always a sell-out,” Steinquest said.

At 6 and 8 p.m. this Friday, APSU musicians will once again don costumes and perform a mix of Halloween music in an eerily decorated concert hall inside the Music/Mass Communication Building.

The 2008 Percussion Ensemble Halloween Concert

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Help Loaves and Fishes to serve the hungry in our community

By Bill Larson | September 8, 2009 |

Loaves and Fishes, is a community kitchen which provides  free meals to 150-200 needy people a day, six days a week. They will be holding their annual fundraiser on October 17th, offering the community a Louisiana Cajun Dinner that includes: Cajun rice, gumbo, beans, jambalaya and breads, with pecan pralines for dessert. Tickets are priced at a $15 donation per person for the event.

They are looking for individuals and businesses to help sponsor this years event. If you, or your business can help either with a cash sponsorship, or by taking care of one or more of the items needed from the list below, you will be making a big difference! Loaves and Fishes is a 501(c3) non-profit so all donations are tax deductible.

Contact Susan Chapman via email or via phone  at 931-645-9020 to offer your assistance, or for ticketing information.

Volunteers prepare trays of bread for heating and serving

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Senator Barnes’ and Representative Pitts’ bill eases burden on groups that feed the homeless

June 22, 2009 |

State Senator Tim Barnes and State Representative Joe Pitts speaking at Veterans Plaza during the 2008 Election.

NASHVILLE – Senator Tim Barnes and Representative Joe Pitts co-sponsored legislation that will make it easier for organizations that feed the homeless to do their work.

The legislation, which passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House, allows not-for-profit groups to provide meals for the homeless without paying costly permit fees that govern restaurants and other commercial food service establishments.

“These organizations and the good folks that run them depend on donations to do their work,” Senator Barnes said. “Their resources, especially in times like these, are small, and the need for their services is great.

“Sen. Barnes and I became aware of this problem by working with Loaves and Fishes,” Rep. Pitts said. “Loaves and Fishes provides invaluable services to Montgomery County, and with this legislation, they will no longer have to bear the costly burden that regulations would place on them.” «Read the rest of this article»

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Sign up for Clarksville community supported agriculture

By Beth Robinson | May 21, 2009 |

Would you like to sign up for the Garden of Hope CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program?  CSA boxes will cost $20/week for 12 weeks. You will receive a box full of fresh, seasonal vegetables throughout the growing season.  The CSA boxes will be available for pick-up on the farm [860 Hornbuckle Road] each Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm from July 3rd through September 18th.  Boxes can be paid for on-site weekly or full payment can be made in advance.

Your support will benefit Clarksville’s F.U.E.L and Loaves and Fishes programs as well as provide fresh, home-grown veggies for your family.

The Garden of Hope is a local community outreach program sponsored in part by the City of Clarksville Office of Housing and Community Development, UT/TSU Cooperative Extension program in Montgomery County, other organizations and businesses. «Read the rest of this article»

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Postal Food drive tomorrow

May 8, 2009 |

Make sure you support our local food banks by putting your canned goods out for your Postal workers to pick-up on May 9th. Loaves and Fishes  will be receiving canned goods that arrive at the Ringgold Post office for their area.

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“Empty Bowls” raises $8000 to fight hunger

By Christine Anne Piesyk | February 13, 2009 |

A sampling of bowls created by volunteers

Large bowls.  Small bowls. Soft muted colors or bright flamboyant tones. each bowls signed by its creator and donated to to benefit locals social service programs in their  fight to end hunger.

Empty Bowls Clarksville 2009 was held Thursday at the Montgomery County Civic Center, and each of those bowls was sold — hundreds of them, raising a total of $8000 to be divided between the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen and Urban Ministries.

“Hope Not Hunger” was theme of the event. For a $15 donation, patrons  could choose a handmade and signed bowl from the hundreds on display; each bowl was places in a small rafia bag. Guests then sat down to enjoy a meal that included a choice of soup (hearty beef vegetable, vegetarian vegetable or chicken noodle), along with chunky bread, a beverage and dessert. «Read the rest of this article»

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Faith based groups: No proselytizing with tax-dollars

By Rev. Charles Moreland | January 24, 2009 |

President Obama is a person of faith; he recognizes the strength (spiritual) that is released in his personal life as he practices daily spiritual exercises.

While on active duty as a U.S. Army Chaplain, I appreciated serving, ministry and  working with chaplains who were also assiociated with the same denomination as President Obama.

Already our new president is strengthening the bonds of religion and society and how government, churches, and religious organizations can work together to better community and country. However, there are guidelines and regulations for each to follow to ensure maximum success.

On the campaign trail. President Obama emphasized his Christian faith;  in speeches he connected faith and public policy. For instance, he spoke about the present “faith-based” initiatives. He recognized the value of a partnership between government and religious faith organizations dedicated to improving communities. He is already pledging  and committing to expanding and renaming the faith-based office. «Read the rest of this article»

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Loaves and Fishes benefits from “National Day of Service” food drive

By Christine Anne Piesyk | January 20, 2009 |

Volunteer Wanda McMoore brews to first of many pots of coffee for the days meal.

Local volunteers for the January 17 “National Day of Service” turned out at Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen to prepare and serve the day’s meal — chili con carne — and accept monetary and food donations for this program, which serves approximately 200 meals a day, six days a week, to Clarksville’s families in need.

Clarksville for Obama coordinated the event, which was designed as part of the President-elect Barack Obama’s commitment to community service. Event coordinator Terry McMoore hosted the event, citing a need for communities to “get back to the basics to make life better for everyone.”

Loaves and Fishes Manager Mike O’Connell was grateful for the outpouring of community support, and accepted a number of monetary donations from the NAACP and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, along with the stream of food donations. «Read the rest of this article»

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Food Drive to benefit Loaves and Fishes

January 15, 2009 |

Loaves and Fishes serves between 150-200 meals to the hungry six days a week and distributes food to area agencies through volunteer efforts. So their need of continued support and donations is greatly needed.

President-elect Obama started his career by serving Chicago communities struggling with tough economic times. He saw what could be achieved when ordinary people organized and worked together and that idea was at the core of this campaign. «Read the rest of this article»

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