Bread for Life Community Food Pantry is a faith-based, ecumenical ministry supported by volunteers from more than ten local churches and countless community partners. What began as a simple vision to help neighbors in need has grown into one of the largest food assistance programs in the region.
In 2008, Fr. James Cowles, Pastor of St. Therese Catholic Church in Gloucester, Virginia, recognized a growing need for food assistance in the community. With an unused two-car garage on church property and a desire to serve local families, he shared his vision with parishioner Deanna Cobb. Under her leadership and with the dedication of many volunteers, a portion of the garage was transformed into a food Pantry.
On March 19, 2009, Bread for Life opened its doors and served 13 families. As demand grew, the Pantry expanded to occupy the entire garage and quickly became a vital resource for families facing food insecurity.
In 2010, leadership transitioned to Bob and Susan Quinzel, who guided the Pantry through a period of significant growth. In 2013, an addition was built to support a “Client Choice” model, allowing families to select the foods they prefer and know their households will use, much like shopping in a grocery store. This approach continues today and helps preserve the dignity and independence of those we serve.
In 2018, Monique Raposa became Executive Director and continued expanding the Pantry’s reach and impact. By 2021, the original facility had outgrown its space. To meet increasing community needs, Bread for Life purchased the former Kingdom Hall building on Route 14. After extensive renovations and the efforts of many volunteers, the new facility opened on January 3, 2022.
In 2024, Monique retired, and Tracey Reed was hired as Executive Director. Today, Bread for Life serves more than 1,000 households each month and provides food assistance to families throughout Gloucester, Mathews, and 9 additional surrounding counties.
Our Pantry operates using a grocery store-style shopping experience where clients can select from frozen meats, dairy products, fresh produce, canned goods, dry goods, breads, and bakery items. USDA foods and Senior Food Boxes are also available to eligible participants.
Bread for Life is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a Partner Agency of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. Through this partnership, participation in Retail Rescue programs, community food drives, local business donations, church support, and seasonal gleaning efforts, we are able to provide hundreds of thousands of pounds of food to our neighbors each year.
What started as a small Pantry serving 13 families has become a community-wide effort powered by volunteers, donors, churches, businesses, and supporters who share a common mission: ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.
Growth Over Time
2009: Opened and served 13 families.
2010: Fewer than 50 households served each week.
2013: Expanded to include a Client Choice shopping area.
2022: Opened a new 3,000-square-foot facility on Route 14.
Today: Approximately 275 households are served each week, with more than 1,000 household visits each month.
For more than 17 years, Bread for Life has remained committed to one simple principle: Neighbor Feeding Neighbor.