Hello and Happy Spring to our dear Supporters!

I extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for your dedicated support. Your generosity and compassion have been instrumental in driving our mission forward at Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, allowing us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of thousands. I am deeply grateful for the collective efforts of our donors and volunteers. Your contributions continue to inspire the work we do.

As we celebrate spring and farmworkers return to the fields, we honor the vital contribution they make to the overall prosperity of our society. Yet, despite their significant impact, many farmworkers and their families face food insecurity. In response to this pressing issue for farmworkers and other vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, disabled, and unsheltered individuals, our Lunch and Pantry Programs provide year-round distributions of healthy groceries and delicious hot meals. Additionally, we strive to offer access to essential resources through collaboration with local organizations to wrap around additional support for individuals and families in need.

In the last 12 months, we welcomed 19,386 pantry visits, served 36,635 lunches, and distributed more than 600,000 pounds of food.

Our journey toward alleviating hunger would not be possible without your unwavering support. Together, we're fostering a nurturing community where individuals can access the food they need while also embracing the opportunities and vitality that spring brings. Your enduring partnership fills me with gratitude. It's through our collective efforts and commitment that we're able to extend a helping hand to those in need, creating a more nourished future for all.

Sincerely,

Ashley Bridges

Executive Director



Tony Angelo has been a volunteer at Loaves and Fishes for four years now. He joined around June 2020, when masks and social distancing were the norm. Discovering PVLF through a spotlight in a Monterey weekly, he decided to give it a try and was quickly won over by the infectious enthusiasm of everyone involved.

Having retired from a career in financial services, Tony sought a meaningful way to give back to the community. Now, he relishes his time at Loaves and Fishes, where he's engaged in everything from food recovery to meal preparation. Tony has truly immersed himself in the PVLF experience. When he's not assisting the community, he enjoys biking and golfing, but he highly recommends volunteering to anyone seeking an opportunity.

The most rewarding aspect of his time here has been forging connections and camaraderie with volunteers and staff. Tony emphasizes, “Seeing the direct impact in the community is why I'm here.” Post-pandemic, as volunteers serve lunches, they witness the gratitude of those receiving a hot meal.

Tony’s presence is valued by everyone in the organization. Pantry Coordinator Adriana attests, “Tony is amazing.” We extend our heartfelt thanks to Tony for his unwavering dedication and hard work in support of our organization.

Anne and Chuck Hanna have been regular once a week volunteers since 2020. During a time of confusion and despair, they decided to become volunteers and help those who need it most. After retiring, they searched for opportunities in which they could spend time together while also giving back to the community. Now, they enjoy having a place in which they can work together after all the time spent apart during their careers.

As volunteers in our kitchen, Anne and Chuck help prepare and serve lunch. Our program has certainly changed since the pandemic; lunches were served to go, and now guests can sit and enjoy their meal while helping themselves to seconds. One of the things Anne and Chuck enjoy is being able to greet the guests and see how the meal they worked on is enjoyed.

Volunteering at Loaves and Fishes is, as they like to say, “a treasured opportunity with which they can provide a meal for those who may have otherwise gone hungry.“

Apart from the rewarding feeling of serving meals, they have enjoyed getting to know every volunteer and staff member. Director Ashley Bridges says, "Anne and Chuck Hanna represent the spirit of dedication and compassion that defines our volunteer community at Loaves and Fishes. Their willingness to adapt and grow with us as we've evolved our services speaks volumes about their passion for making a difference.”

Loaves and Fishes is thankful that Anne and Chuck chose to be a part of our team.

The prevailing theme of this year has been one of adaptation and sustainability. With USDA and Second Harvest allotments no longer covering the majority of the food we distribute, we are now purchasing massive amounts of food to continue to serve our community effectively. We are working tirelessly to keep our shelves stocked.

Our lunch program is now entirely funded by monetary and in-kind donations. Additionally, we are procuring hundreds of pounds of essential items such as potatoes, onions, and broccoli for our pantry on a weekly basis. Our pantry expenditures are nearly ten times what they were in 2023, escalating from $2,400 to $22,000 and continuing to rise. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including the increased cost of food items and decreased availability from previous sources.

Our fellow agencies are banding together. Grey Bears has graciously agreed to store pallets of rice, beans, and oatmeal at their facility so we can purchase at bulk volume. This allows us to spend $0.50 a bag compared to $1.25 for a bag of beans. Modifying strategies and being responsive will allow continued success and longevity for our organization.

PVLF Pantry Demographics

66% Live in Watsonville

44% Work in Agriculture

40% Children

13% Seniors

11% Unhoused or Without Kitchen

Unhoused Families and Individuals in South County



Santa Cruz County’s biannual Point-In-Time count provides an overview of homelessness over time in the County. The count results in a conservative estimate of the number of people and households experiencing homelessness on a single night. The Point-In-Time count has indicated a 15% increase in Watsonville/South County. “The percentage of people experiencing homelessness that are Latino/Hispanic has been increasing statewide,” said Robert Ratner, Director of Housing for Health at County of Santa Cruz. 

Ready to make a lasting impact in your community?

Consider joining Loaves and Fishes as a board member! We're actively seeking applications from passionate individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Serving on the board is not just rewarding—it's pivotal in our mission to alleviate hunger.

Are you interested in learning more?

Email Ashley Bridges for more information