ENFIELD — As the holiday season approaches, Enfield Loaves and Fishes is once again asking the community to help sustain its mission of feeding neighbors in need. The nonprofit, which serves more than 70,000 meals annually and provides daily meal distribution, is entering one of its busiest — and most challenging — times of the year.
Executive Director Maya Matthews said that while food drives surge in November and December, the need they respond to is constant. When asked whether a specific Christmas-season drive was planned, she emphasized that “throughout the season, we will be looking for items from our high needs items list.” Those items help ensure the kitchen can meet rising demand as families face increased food insecurity and winter hardships.
Longstanding partnerships continue to anchor the organization’s efforts. Matthews noted that support from area fire departments, who are holding a can drive through Jan. 2, remains essential.
“The fire departments have held this fundraiser for us for as long as anyone can remember. We all work so closely together in the community that it is natural for us to come together for a little extra support during the holidays. This extra boost helps us ensure that we can provide anything that our guests may need over the holidays,” Matthews said.
A new partner this year is Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, located inside Noble Gas Station on Elm Street. The business is hosting a canned food drive on behalf of Loaves and Fishes, offering customers a $2 discount on orders of $10 or more when they donate a canned good. Matthews said the organization is “extremely grateful” for partners who not only care about the mission but also actively mobilize their customers to help feed the community.
Still, uncertainty looms as fluctuations in government assistance complicate long-term planning.
“With the future feeling so unsure at the moment, the kitchen is doing its best to plan ahead to avoid a break in services,” Matthews said. “We expect the number of people in need to increase.”
Running a seven-day-a-week kitchen presents its own set of winter hurdles.
“There are many challenges, but we have ingenious staff and volunteers that meet every challenge head on,” Matthews explained. Inclement weather, volunteer shortages, and health issues among guests often require both flexibility and creativity. The organization prepares extra meals ahead of storm closures, leans on staff and family members when volunteers are scarce, and partners with local health authorities to bring services — such as vaccines — directly to guests.
Community-organized food drives have become increasingly common, and Matthews encouraged residents to get involved. “The high need items list is the best guide that we can offer,” she said.
Outreach and Engagement Intern Ella Swinnerton added that organizers should reach out by email and that ideal drop-off hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., though the team works to accommodate other times. They also hope to share more photos of “generous heroes” on social media this season.
While the holidays tend to inspire heightened generosity, Matthews stressed the importance of year-round support.
“Hunger is not seasonal, and neither is the work of feeding our neighbors,” she said. Sustainable partnerships allow the organization to plan ahead, maintain staffing, keep shelves stocked, and ensure that every guest is welcomed with dignity. That kind of steady partnership is what keeps the lights on, the ovens running, and the doors open long after the holiday decorations come down.”
