Sept. 8. For families across Charlotte, this school year is unlike anything we have experienced before. In 2019, nearly 82,000 children were a part of the CMS Free and Reduced Lunch Program. This amount would overflow the Bank of America Stadium by 6,000 children.

A story from Loaves & Fishes

It may be hard to tell, but behind her mask, Genesis is all smiles as she arrives for the first time at a Loaves & Fishes mobile food pantry. This school year will bring new food challenges for Genesis and her family, while her mother is out of work. Photo: Fishes & Loaves

Genesis [no last name to protect family’s privacy] is entering her first year of middle school virtually this year. She recently arrived at a Loaves & Fishes mobile pantry with her family.

They were there to pick up groceries for the week having heard about Loaves & Fishes through friends. Genesis and her family are afraid of the virus, exhausted from taking protective precautions, and feel as though this pandemic is disproportionately affecting low-income families.

Before the pandemic, Genesis’ mom was a working mother. Fast forward to today, she has been laid off because the company where she worked was forced to close due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Now she is unable to work and is finding it difficult to make ends meet while Genesis is at home this school year. They were relieved to find Loaves & Fishes, where they know they can count on their next meal.

Today, you can help feed a family in need like Genesis’ by donating to Loaves & Fishes.