HINTON W.Va. (Hinton News) – “Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” ~ Emily Dickinson. Hope is exactly what you will find when engaging with Loaves and Fishes in Hinton. Under the direction of Kevin Richmond throughout the last five years, the non-profit has blossomed and now offers more services than ever before.
One of the primary programs offered by Loaves and Fishes is a food pantry. When most people think of a food pantry, they imagine a pre-packed bag of random groceries. Not at Loaves and Fishes.
“We’ve converted our food pantry to a choice pantry,” says Richmond, “giving our clients more of an experience instead of just being handed a traditional bag.”
The transformation is striking. Clients now “shop” through shelves of food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies, selecting items that truly meet their needs. It’s about dignity, not just distribution.
“We want people to come in, feel welcome, and have this be a safe space for everybody,” Richmond explains, highlighting the organization’s compassionate approach.
Available items vary widely, with Richmond detailing that there may be choices between things such as bleach and laundry detergent or corn and green beans. Having multiple options allows people the “power of choice,” Richmond says. That way, they can take only what they want and are not required to take things they do not want. Richmond notes that not only does it empower those who come in, but it also helps prevent waste.
Beyond food, Loaves and Fishes has expanded its services dramatically. A new diaper pantry serves families monthly, while a winter cold weather initiative provides blankets, gloves, and warm accessories to those most vulnerable.
The organization operates with a powerful mission, embodied by its CEO, Mark Phillips’ philosophy: “We’re always working to put ourselves out of business.” Translation? Their ultimate goal is to create a community where such services aren’t necessary.
The choice pantry is available every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additionally, Loaves and Fishes is open on select weekdays, including Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays are by appointment only. Loaves and Fishes isn’t just distributing resources—they’re rebuilding hope, one carefully chosen item at a time.
During this past summer, which was incredibly hot, Loaves and Fishes was able to obtain air conditioning window units for several individuals who would otherwise not have had a way to stay cool while at home.
The accomplishments of Loaves and Fishes have been a team effort. Richmond says the program expansions and other accomplishments would not be possible without the help of his team members, Gage Richmond and Angie Meadows, as well as dedicated volunteers Sonia Galloway, Sandy Surber, and Patty Crawford. Richmond said, “I can’t thank them enough.”
If you have a need, be it food, cleaning products, hygien items, help with a utility bill, diapers, or winter clothing, go to Loaves and Fishes. They have a privacy policy in place, and Richmond assures that no one outside of those helping you will be able to obtain information about you or your needs.
Want to help? Donations of food, hygiene items, and winter clothing are always welcome. As Richmond says, “Donations, whether monetary or physical, really go a long way in helping accomplish our mission.”
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