
FAQ
What does the Loaves and Fishes organization do?
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Loaves and Fishes provides a free hot meal every Thursday.
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Who is eligible to receive Loaves & Fishes meals?
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All are welcome at this free community meal.
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What groups can be Sponsors of a weekly meal?
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Loaves and Fishes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Any group of citizens, either formal or informal, community or religious-affiliated, can become a sponsor.
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How can my group become involved with Loaves & Fishes?
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You or your group can sponsor or support a meal with a donation. If you are part of a group that would like to become involved, please send an email to loavesandfishespagosa@centurytel.net
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How many volunteers are needed per weekly meal?
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3 – 4 people are needed to cook on Wednesday morning prior to Thursdays lunch, and 10-15 on Thursday to finish cooking, set-up, serve, and clean-up.
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If I don't belong to a group, how can I help?
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Donated food needs to be picked up at City Market 3 times a week. Hot meals need to be delivered to home-bound persons every Thursday. Our volunteer coordinator would love to speak with you and help find a task that you would enjoy.
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As a business, how can we support Loaves & Fishes?
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Businesses can donate money, kitchen equipment or supplies to support our mission. Donations are tax-deductible.
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Who will be there to guide us through the event?
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Our professional cook will be present to guide and assist you as will our volunteer coordinator. There are also several community volunteers who help by setting up/taking down the tables in the hall, preparing the beverages, readying the desserts and washing dishes.
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What does Loaves and Fishes supply towards the meal?
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Loaves and Fishes supplies the meat, bread and dessert for the meal, as well as a professional cook to assist you.
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What is the cost to sponsoring groups?
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The average cost to sponsor a meal is approximately $250. Sponsors are provided a grocery list of items needed to prepare and complete meal e.g. diced tomatoes, onions, beans, etc.
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How meals do we serve each week?
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We serve an average of 250 meals each week.
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How does a sponsoring group know what to cook?
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Our professional cook will work with your recipe or provide one for you, as well as lead kitchen activities to prepare that weeks meal.
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Where is the food cooked and served?
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The food is prepared and served at the Parish Hall at 499 Lewis Street in downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
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Can sponsors do some of the food preparation at home?
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All food must be prepared in a kitchen licensed by the San Juan Basin Health Department.
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Is completion of a Food Safety class a requirement for being a Sponsor?
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It is preferred that our sponsors complete the Colorado Safe Food Handling course although not required. All of Loaves and Fishes Board members and regular volunteers have received their food handling certification.
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How many meals can a guest receive?
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All guest are provided with as many meals as desired although this may be limited based on traffic and/or food availability.
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What is the best way to understand what Loaves and Fishes is all about?
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We welcome people to learn more about use through our website, Facebook page or by contacting us at loavesandfishespagosa@centurytel.net.
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How old do you have to be to volunteer at Loaves and Fishes?
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Volunteers must be sixteen years old or older.
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What are the dress requirements for volunteers?
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For safety reasons, no open-toed shoes are permitted. We require individuals wear head covering and/or have hair tied back. Aprons are provided as needed.
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