[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 152 (Friday, September 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF PAJARO VALLEY LOAVES AND FISHES

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                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2019

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today on the behalf of Pajaro 
Valley Loaves and Fishes to recognize the work they have done to foster 
community development and collaboration as they celebrate 30 years of 
committed work to alleviating hunger among working class families on 
the central coast of California.
   Loaves and Fishes was founded in 1989 as an emergency response to 
the Loma Prieta earthquake and served more than 20,000 meals to 
residents displaced by the disaster at their original location in 
Watsonville's St Patrick's Church. The organization has since grown 
into a community-supported local kitchen and pantry to serve the people 
of the Pajaro Valley.
   The Loaves and Fishes lunch program serves a hot, nutritious lunch 
every weekday, prepared on-site by certified cooks and other community 
volunteers. In 2018, Loaves and Fishes served between 80 and 150 hot 
and nutritious meals every weekday. The pantry program provides 
supplemental groceries to the individuals or families up to twice per 
month, with 76 percent of adult pantry clients being farm workers who 
support the Central Coast. Most of these groceries are either donated 
or purchased from local farmers and the Second Harvest Food Bank.
   In addition to its food programs, Loaves and Fishes supports the 
development of the community by providing support services, including 
nutrition education, job trainings, resume building workshops, life 
skills development, and referrals to other available social services. 
Many of these services are provided through partnerships with other 
social service agencies and nonprofits.
   It is an honor to recognize an organization with such a meaningful 
impact on the community, and I am proud to celebrate Pajaro Valley 
Loaves and Fishes' 30th anniversary of supporting the Central Coast. 
Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
celebrating Loaves and Fishes as a pillar of strength in our community.

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