04 Dec Federal Benefit Cuts Drive Demand at Loaves and Fishes

More and more Contra Costa residents have been turning to the nonprofit Loaves and Fishes’ five dining rooms in the county for free food as the cost of living has gone up and benefits have gone down.

Story and photos by Denis Perez-Bravo 

Every weekday, more than 3,000 people rely on Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa for a hot, free meal. That number continues to grow as federal food assistance is reduced and the cost of living rises. 

At the nonprofit’s dining rooms in Antioch, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg and Walnut Creek, staff and volunteers serve anyone who walks in. For many, it’s the only full meal they can count on that day.  For others, it’s a place to rest, talk and feel seen. 

One of those people is Oakland resident Frank Bozdeck, who comes to the Martinez dining room at 835 Ferry St. around 11 a.m., when lunch is served. 

“Every day,” he said. “It brings out a lot of happiness to people, and I see that,” he said. “As long as people are getting through, fed, everything is OK.” 

Loaves and Fishes also operates a food delivery truck that travels through Bay Point, Pittsburg and Antioch and provides up to 900 meals on weekends at its Martinez and Pittsburg locations.  

“Our menu is actually built around the ingredients that get donated,” executive chef Carissa Crader said. “A lot of it is coming from local farms, our local food bank, things like that.”  

Crader’s priority is to make sure the meals are nutritious and healthy, she said.  

In addition to a hot meal onsite, the dining rooms also provide a food pantry where guests can pick out groceries for later. 

“People can come and choose food for their home, what they’re able to cook there,” development director Nicholas Wilson said. “We like it because it maintains some sort of dignity.”  

Wilson’s role in Fishes and Loaves is to create fundraising events and raise awareness about the program. 

“Our biggest hurdle is letting people know we’re here for them.”  

And federal cuts to public benefits have pushed demand even higher, he said.  

“Normally, we average probably 80 to a little over 100 clicks,” Wilson said, referring to the number of visitors being recorded via a hand tally counter. Currently, however, over 200 people attend on some days. 

To highlight the growing need, Loaves and Fishes hosted Rep. Mark DeSaulnier on Nov. 25. 

The congressman represents most of Contra Costa County, though not the area the center is in, but he said he “crossed” district lines to support Loaves and Fishes.  

DeSaulnier said he discussed efforts to combat food insecurity with staff and volunteers and will be working with District 8 Rep. John Garamendi to continue supporting Loaves and Fishes.  

“It should be important for all of us, but particularly, I think, for people in Congress right now to realize how important our support for programs like this are,” DeSaulnier said. 

Inside the dining room, 70-year-old Martinez resident Cherry Lee grabbed a meal.  

She visits a couple of times a week. Lee has severe allergies, but she says the center always helps her navigate her dietary restrictions.   

“They work with me.”

Since Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or food stamp, benefits were reduced by the federal government, she said, the line feels longer. 

“There’s such a need. And this is just in Martinez. I can imagine someplace else,” Lee said. 

She also said she is grateful for this center and the staff that have helped her in many ways. For Lee, the food is vital. But the community matters too. 

“Sometimes, I just come because I got to get around people, if you know what I mean.”