The Fishes & Loaves food pantry in North Canaan has received grants totaling $7,500 for general operational support in 2022. The Khurshed Bhumgara Fund and Northwest Connecticut Philanthropy Fund, both of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provided a grant of $5,000; an additional $2,500 was awarded by the Northwest Corner Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. 

Fishes & Loaves provides a broad selection of nonperishable items, meat, dairy and produce for over 100 families weekly. Freund’s Farm Market and Bakery in East Canaan, a longtime supporter of the pantry, also donates baked goods and frozen foods, from quiche and lasagna to soup and pie. 

Louise Riley, pantry director, says they will use some of the new funding to purchase certain supermarket items for the pantry that have become increasingly expensive for clients. The grants will also allow them to reach out to more households in need of assistance and to cover the pantry’s increased operating expenses. With the rise in inflation and ongoing shortage of many grocery items, Riley says she anticipates an increase in people utilizing the pantry this winter. 

A mission of the North Canaan Congregational Church, Fishes & Loaves is open to residents of Canaan, Falls Village and Norfolk on Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 12 to 2 p.m. at 30 Granite Avenue in North Canaan.