In May 2024, Renard’s Catering reached out to St. John’s Ministries with a simple question: Would you like to receive leftover food from our events? Since St. John’s Ministries was providing breakfast every day and lunch twice a week, the answer was an easy yes.
Ron and Meg, a longtime volunteer duo and husband-and-wife team, began picking up food from Renard’s Catering every Monday. What started as a small task quickly grew. Five more volunteers have since joined in, forming a team that calls themselves “Five Loaves and Two Chickens.” The team now includes Linda and Tim, Helen W., Faye N., Cheryl G., and Cindy. Together they dedicate four to five hours each week collecting, transporting, organizing, and preparing donated food.
The effort expanded in April 2025 when Stonewood, an event venue just minutes away, began donating as well. Now the team often fills three vehicles with food donations.
“This was the perfect opportunity. People are hungry, and we can do something about it.” — Ron and Meg
Each year, St. John’s Ministries volunteers provide more than 900 meals, including 360 dinners. Thanks to these donations and the dedication of the Five Loaves and Two Chickens, only three dinners last season required purchasing food. Extra meals are also shared with Crisis Café, CRE8 Church, All Seasons Transformation House, and StreetLights Outreach.
“We take pride in what we are not throwing away.” — Ron
