About

For over 28 years, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has been the main charitable source of emergency food for hungry individuals and families in Kalamazoo County. KLF collects and procures food, distributes it and provides direct service through various programs. KLF distributes food to 26 pantry sites through our Grocery Pantry Program in Kalamazoo, Portage and as far as Richland and Galesburg-Augusta. People in need of emergency food assistance can call our ‘Need Food’ line (343-3663) and schedule a time to pick up groceries at the volunteer-run pantry site most convenient to their location. Clients then receive a four day food order amount based on household size. There are no eligibility requirements or paperwork to fill out to receive service.  

While the Grocery Pantry Program is KLF’s primary emergency distribution program, food is also distributed through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Mobile Food Initiative (MFI), Weekend Backpack Program, and Agency Support Program. The CSFP is a federally-funded program that targets seniors, women and children. The MFI offers food items like fresh produce at specific vulnerable areas in the community. The Weekend Backpack Program provides food packs to targeted elementary school children through a partnership with Kalamazoo Communities in Schools. The Agency Support Program distributes no-cost commodities to local human service organizations and meal programs.

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes also experiments with various pilot programs such as Teen Cooking Classes with the Boys and Girls Club. We also participate in several annual events such as the National Association of Letter Carrier's Food Drive in May, Michigan Harvest Gathering, Art & All That Jazz, Empty Bowls, Independence From Hunger, and many more.