Toowoomba food hamper providers celebrate two years of business

The Jennings have gone from volunteering, to managing to owning Toowoomba’s food hamper service, filling thousands of bellies and hearts with hope.

This week marks two years since Kylie and Michael Jennings stepped up and took over running one of the region’s most important food providers, Loaves and Fishes Care Services Toowoomba.

The hardworking couple used $10,000 in unpaid and unclaimed holiday pay from Loaves and Fishes founder Pastor Jock Bamford to cover the initial start up costs.

The food hamper providers supply people with two trolley loads of fresh food and pantry staples for just $55, taking the strain off family’s facing financial uncertainty and destitution in hard times.

Food charity Loaves and Fishes celebrate their second anniversary since new owners, Kylie and Michael Jennings took over. Picture: Kevin Farmer

After hundreds of early starts and late finishes, major challenges and set backs, this warm-hearted duo managed to keep the show running through a pandemic, ensuring thousands of Toowoomba families have something in their pantries even in their darkest hours.

“I think we are able to do what we do because we love it so much,” Ms Jennings said.

“It’s something both Michael and I felt passionate about as soon as we started volunteering several years ago.”

Parents to three children, Ms Jennings said it was their youngest child who intended to carry on the Loaves and Fishes flame after they retired.

“Our youngest daughter is very keen to take over the organisation from us when we are ready to step back, she’s very passionate about feeding the community and providing for those in need,” she said.

“We are very proud of what we’ve managed to achieve over the last two years since taking over and we are proud that our family are proud of what we do, it’s a very special thing.”

Loaves and Fishes is always looking for more volunteers to come on board and lend a hand.

Volunteer inductions take place weekly on Wednesdays at 9.30am at the Loaves and Fishes store at 106 Hill Street in Newtown.

LOAVES OF LOVE: Loaves and Fishes owners Kylie and Michael Jennings celebrate two years of ownership. Picture: Kevin Farmer