HANNIBAL, Mo. – This faith-based outreach ministry in northern Missouri helps the struggling and less fortunate through free meals, counseling and sober living.
Loaves and Fishes, a side ministry of Harvest Outreach, hands out 60 to 70 meals each weeknight. Additionally, boxed meals are given away to visitors who come on Fridays. The weekend meals are often packed with items such as meat, pasta, rice, canned goods, bread, produce and snacks.
The ministry got its start in the late ’90s under the name God’s Harvesters. As the group’s members got older, Loaves and Fishes took over the project. The program was based out of the basement of Helping Hands Church on Lyon Street, but has since outgrown its facility.
The organization has purchased a building at 413 Broadway across from Central Park. It has been under construction since January, and will include a dining area, full commercial kitchen and a fully handicapped accessible restroom.
Loaves and Fishes coordinator Billie Heidecker says there was not enough space to allow guests to sit down for a relaxing meal at the former location.
Multiple businesses and churches within the Hannibal community have donated time to the organization, including Little Caesar’s own Love Kitchen. The Love Kitchen began in 1985 and delivers nourishment wherever it is needed, connecting community to community and helping the less fortunate.
Heidecker has a message for all of those who have volunteered their time or have donated to Harvest Outreach.
“Thank you for all you do and for always being there for the community and those in need,” Heidecker said. “Thank you for always bringing the best to our building and showing what Jesus Christ is about, because that is what they do.”
In addition to its food ministry, Harvest Outreach runs Harvest House for sober living. Men and women live in separate facilities while transitioning back into society after serving time for nonviolent, nonsexual charges. The residents are fed the word of God and are integrated into jobs, insurance, life counseling, credit counseling and a fresh start in a safe environment.
“They have to choose it. All of the options are there. As long as they accept Jesus Christ into their heart and follow the Lord, there is a 100% success rate. God is always moving; we’ve just got to pay attention to His movement.”
Donations, except for clothing items, are accepted at Harvest Outreach and volunteers are always welcomed with arms wide open. To learn more, visit the website.
