Our Mission- Fighting childhood hunger in our community, one child at a time.
Welcome to 5 Loaves and 2 Fish Ministry. At 5&2 Ministry, we are a 501(c)(3) reaching children who are hungry or at risk of hunger. For some children, the two meals they receive in school Monday through Friday are the only meals they will eat. These children may not know where their next meal will come from. 5&2 Ministry intends to reach children and families from all walks of life, no matter their circumstances. Our program is unique in that it is a Non-Profit, Opt-out Program and is not based on income. Our Ministry is currently packing and placing bags of food in student's book bags at Bemus Point Elementary, Clymer Central, Panama Central, Sherman Central and Ring Elementary in various elementary grade levels on Friday afternoons to supplement the food they may or may not receive at home over the weekend to fight childhood hunger. We also have an after school and summer snacks program for children at Prendergast Library in Jamestown, NY and the Clymer-French Creek Library in Clymer, NY.
John answered, “Anyone who had two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food do the same. " Luke 3:11
Our Beginning
The beginning of this ministry began when a calling was placed on a group of people's hearts who identified and wanted to do more for children suffering from childhood hunger. It also began as a labor of love to serve and give back in the communities we live, and were raised in. It is our hope that God's love will be shown through the efforts of this ministry. The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 from a basket of 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish was our inspiration. Our deep love for children will continue to be the driving force behind our ministry. For Jesus said "“Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” Matthew 19:14.
Hunger is an epidemic that we cannot possibly fully understand. It’s right here in our own backyards. It’s not easily identified and it does not discriminate. It affects children and people from all walks of life. Feeding children and eradicating hunger will change our world, and our children’s future.
— Jen Heiser, President and Co-founder
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish for everyone to share. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves!”
MARK 6:41-44
Our Mission
Fighting childhood hunger in our community, one child at a time.
50.2%
In Chautauqua County, 50.2% of children live in poverty.
63%
63% of families in Chautauqua County qualify for free and/or reduced lunches.
37%
Approximately 37% of the students in Clymer Central School qualify for free/reduced lunches.
Get Involved
Please consider volunteering to help pack bags, a monetary donation made payable to 5 & 2 Ministry or a donation of food off of our menu at our many drop off locations.