Serving the Hungry and Feeding The Souls
Five Loaves Food Pantry is dedicated to addressing hunger—both physical and spiritual—on the Virginia Peninsula. Their reach spans from Gloucester to Smithfield, with over 85% of those served coming from Newport News. They welcome individuals from across the Peninsula, offering hope and sustenance to those in need.
Recently, this ministry was highlighted in a newscast by CBS affiliate WTKR in Newport News. You can watch the feature here.
Brother Tim, a driving force behind Five Loaves, a licensed priest in our Diocese who assists at Incarnation Anglican in Williamsburg, VA, provides insights into the ministry’s mission. In conversation, you’ll quickly recognize the heart behind the work—not just feeding bodies, but nurturing souls and even saving lives.
The numbers tell a story of tremendous growth and outreach (and the story below tells the heart of this ministry):
In 2023, the pantry distributed 295,000 pounds of donated food—over 500 tons when including USDA allocations. This allowed them to serve 2,057 families, representing 6,512 individuals—a 54% increase compared to 2022.
With repeat visits included, Five Loaves served an astounding 44,927 people last year, as guests can come weekly.
October alone saw 809 families served through 12,700 visits, while November surpassed this with 841 families and 14,171 visits.
The pantry currently serves individuals who speak 33 different languages, reflecting the diverse community they support.
If your church operates a food pantry or hosts food distribution events, consider reaching out to Brother Tim for practical advice and encouragement. He is passionate about sharing his experience to strengthen other ministries and extend the reach of this vital work.
This is a message for Br. Tim Luken. I'm not sure if you remember me or the last day I was at the pantry. It's been awhile, and I remember that day pretty well.
You noticed that I was visibly upset, and asked me why, and even offered to pray for me. I feel like I owe you an apology for walking away and not saying anything. Your volunteers were even kind enough to follow me to the car to give me groceries, despite my unwillingness to talk. It bothers me to this day that I didn't thank them before we left. During that time, I was contemplating one of the most difficult decisions of my life. A week beforehand I had found out that my birth control failed. I knew, beyond the known stress of raising a child, for me to have a baby could have a profound negative impact on my partners life and it would be for personal reasons I rather not lay out here. We, without much conversation, decided we would end it. That little discussed decision spiraled me into the deepest depression I have ever experienced.
Days prior to my visit, I wasn't eating like I should, and I lost the energy to talk. When we came home from the pantry visit, it seemed like my boyfriend finally understood how deeply the decision was affecting me. We began talking more about it and eventually decided not to end the pregnancy. I feel like it's the best decision we have made for our-selves, and no matter how difficult things can get, we are resolved to get through it together. We are changing for our child's future, and I want to thank you and your volunteers for inspiring us with your kindness and generosity. I'm happy to know that I'll be bringing a son into this world with people like you in it.