Nathan Magrath, Alliance to End Hunger
A stone’s throw from downtown Kalamazoo sits the unassuming offices and warehouse of Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes (KLF). Like many cities in Michigan—and across the Midwest—Kalamazoo exists at a unique intersection of urban and rural. It features a starkly diverse population centered in an area that transitions into a rural, agricultural landscape after just a few miles of driving. This geography creates unique food security environments, highlighting the deep-seated relationship between people, local communities, and broader economies.
From Small Beginnings to a State Leader
Originally founded by a small conglomeration of local churches, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has grown over the decades to become the largest independent food bank in Michigan. Recently, Alliance to End Hunger President Eric Mitchell and I toured the facility, guided by Associate Director Greta Faworski and Senior Program Manager Nadina Williams-Barrett. Together, they described an organization that provides direct service to community members while acting as a strategic focal point for anti-hunger efforts across Kalamazoo County and beyond.
The Heart of Operations: The Grocery Pantry Program
As we walked past the call center—where staff and volunteers were busy assisting community members with food inquiries—we entered the hub for KLF’s Grocery Pantry Program. Here, grocery baskets were filled with fresh and nonperishable items ready for pickup, including a wide variety of options that meet specific dietary or cultural needs. Greta and Nadina explained that approximately 800 individuals are served through this program daily, not including the occasional walk-up clients served as they arrive.
Outreach and Distribution
In the warehouse behind the pantry, we saw the scale of their community outreach. As we entered the storage facility filled with pallets of food, a KLF truck was being loaded for one of many free delivery routes. These routes are lifelines for individuals struggling with mobility or transportation issues. Simultaneously, another truck was utilizing the “food bank” side of the operation, picking up supplies for a partner pantry elsewhere in the county. Deliveries made by Loaves & Fishes also include 21 agency partners and 14 monthly mobile food distributions to increase access points throughout the county. Altogether, KLF distributes food to 111 sites throughout Kalamazoo County.
Strengthening the School and Campus Connection
The impact of KLF extends far beyond its warehouse walls. The Kalamazoo Public School (KPS) District faces significant food insecurity; according to KLF estimates, approximately 70% of KPS students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. While the 2023 implementation of universal school meals has helped, the sheer level of need makes the school system an ideal entry point for food security and wraparound services. But KPS is not the only school district served by KLF. In total, seven school districts are served, representing both urban and rural populations. This includes school-based pantries at 17 sites and a Weekend Food Pack Program at 26 sites.
KLF also partners with local higher education institutions, including Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), and Kalamazoo College. These campuses serve as additional distribution points and provide a steady stream of dedicated volunteers.
The Farm-to-Pantry Link
One of the most poignant aspects of KLF is its relationship with the surrounding farming community. However, this partnership recently faced a setback. Following the pandemic, the USDA established a program to help food banks and schools procure fresh produce locally. Unfortunately, the program was effectively terminated in 2025.
Nadina noted matter-of-factly that this cancellation dealt a significant blow to their ability to source fresh farm products. The irony of ending such a program while the USDA simultaneously pushes for “real food” consumption is not lost on her. Greta added that the move also hurt local farmers, many of whom had invested in machinery and inputs to meet the increased demand.
Despite these hurdles, KLF is building new linkages with local agriculture through ValleyHUB—a KVCC initiative that ensures local food systems remain supported by the community.
Looking Toward the Future
Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes has moved mountains, yet they still dream of doing more. Greta spoke of plans to establish food assistance for third-shift workers, whose schedules often conflict with standard pantry hours. They also hope to expand their “one-stop” capabilities, helping clients enroll in federal programs like SNAP and WIC, as well as broader social services that impact overall family wellbeing.
KLF is more than a service provider; it is an active, engaged member of the Hunger Free Communities Network. Their work is a testament to how local dedication translates into actual impact. Our thanks go out to the team at KLF for showing us how the rubber of our collective efforts truly meets the road.
