Seattle Nonprofit Connects Home Bakers with Local Food Banks

In a heartwarming initiative that has gained momentum since the pandemic, the nonprofit organization Community Loaves has facilitated the donation of over 200,000 loaves of fresh bread and 220,000 energy cookies to food banks across the Pacific Northwest. Founded by Katherine Kehrli, a former culinary school dean, the program connects passionate home bakers with local food pantries to help combat hunger in their communities.

On a recent Saturday near Seattle, Cheryl Ewaldsen, a retired university human resources director, baked three golden loaves of wheat bread. The delightful scent wafting from her kitchen signified not a family meal but a generous contribution to a nearby food bank. “I just get really excited about it knowing that it’s going to someone and they’re going to make, like, 10 sandwiches,” said Ewaldsen, who has donated nearly 800 loaves in less than two years.

Since its inception in 2020, Community Loaves has mobilized a network of nearly 900 bakers across four states: Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho. This effort has become one of the largest home-baked food donation initiatives in the United States. With increasing food insecurity due to rising grocery prices and cuts in federal funding for food assistance, the demand for nutritious baked goods from Community Loaves has surged.

Kehrli noted, “Most of our food banks do not get any kind of whole-grain sandwich bread donation. When we ask what we could do better, they just say, ‘Bring us more.’”

Growing Demand Amidst Food Insecurity

The impact of Community Loaves is particularly evident at the Edmonds Food Bank, where program manager Lester Almanza reported that the client list has grown from 350 households to nearly 1,000 over the past three years. Nationwide, more than 50 million people annually receive charitable food assistance, according to Feeding America, a leading hunger relief organization.

As federal legislation cuts food aid, the situation is expected to worsen. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that as many as 3 million people may lose eligibility for food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits, following a tax and spending cuts bill passed in July 2023. In response to these challenges, the U.S. Agriculture Department announced it would cease publication of its annual report on hunger, raising concerns about the visibility of food insecurity in America.

“Ending data collection will not end hunger; it will only make it a hidden crisis that is easier to ignore and more difficult to address,” said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center.

Community Connections Through Baking

Amidst this backdrop, the role of Community Loaves becomes even more critical. Each loaf of bread baked by volunteers like Ewaldsen signifies not just physical sustenance but also a sense of community. “It’s the opportunity for me to bake something and to share something with others in the community,” she remarked.

While many food banks typically receive processed bread, often nearing its expiration date, Community Loaves provides wholesome options, including honey oat, whole wheat, and sunflower rye. Ewaldsen emphasized the health benefits, stating, “They make it really wholesome and fibrous. It mimics most of the health-conscious breads that are out there.”

Despite the positive impact, anti-hunger advocates caution that individual donations cannot replace adequately funded government services. “It’s beautiful that our communities act this way,” said Gina Plata-Nino of the Food Research & Action Center. “But it is a loaf of bread. That is going to feed one person — and there are millions in line.”

Kehrli’s vision for Community Loaves originated during the pandemic when she sought a way to contribute after being displaced from her job. The program has since flourished, with bakers following approved recipes and sourcing their own ingredients. This collaborative effort fosters a sense of purpose and connection among participants, who often bake in their homes and deliver the goods to local hubs for distribution.

As Community Loaves continues to expand its reach, the organization remains focused on addressing both immediate food needs and the broader issues of hunger and food insecurity in society. The program stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion in tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing many families today.