Sister Maureen McMahon began the Loaves and Fishes ministry in Dover Plains and leads it today.  Housed in a beautiful home near the center of town the ministry is a place for people who need help.

Compassionate company, food, medical services and language tutoring are some of the services available to the residents of Dover Plains and Wingdale.

The elderly and homebound of the Dover Plains area are the ministry’s target population. It offers a Welcome Table at lunchtime every week in the parish hall of St. Charles Borromeo.  From November through April free homemade soup and sandwiches or hot entrees are available every Thursday from 12 noon until 2 PM. The meal and fellowship are open to all.

The Welcome Table volunteers also deliver over 50 meals to shut-ins every week, providing good food and good company to the poor, elderly and infirm of the community.
 
Visiting, transport to doctor’s offices and hospitals are provided by the many volunteers attracted to the work. Many of the people who received help are, in turn, giving what they can to others in need. The Loaves and Fishes works with local agencies, civic groups and the local parish to identify those in need.

Loaves & Fishes operates the food pantry housed in St. Charles Borromeo church. This pantry, stocked by the parishioners of St. Charles and area residents, provides free food to low-income families of Dover Plains & Wingdale. When the paycheck doesn’t quite stretch enough, one phone call is all it takes to get nutritious food on the table.