Atascadero Loaves and Fishes is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization providing short-term emergency assistance to those in need in Atascadero, Santa Margarita, Creston and Templeton.

Twenty years ago, representatives of several churches in Atascadero, seeking ways to assist the needs of the poor, set up a food pantry in a one-room church basement. The City of Atascadero and the County of San Luis Obispo soon recognized the value of Loaves and Fishes to our community and in 1985 awarded a grant to purchase a larger facility in Atascadero. In 1996 the doors were opened at 5411 El Camino Real where it remains today, still operated by an all-volunteer staff.

From the one-room basement facility, open one afternoon a week to its current location, open week days, Atascadero Loaves and Fishes now provides anually over 10,000 bags of groceries, and serves over 18,000 individuals, 44% of whom are children.

In addition to the distribution of food acquired from the community food drives, the Food Bank, local farmer's markets, grocery store surpluses, and the generous donations from individuals and service organizations, Loaves and Fishes also provides showers, laundry, haircuts and beauty salon services to those preparing for job interviews.

Atascadero Loaves and Fishes is a United Way recipient organization and at its center in Atascadero, houses the offices of the Salvation Army which provides utility and rental assistance, the Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) providing counseling for the homeless, Department of Social Services Outreach and the Public Health Department which offers free referral services. The San Luis Obispo Community Foundation has also recognized Loaves and Fishes for its services. Atascadero Loaves and Fishes also has an endowment held at the Community Foundation.

Atascadero Loaves and Fishes provides an essential service for people in need in San Luis Obispo County. This feeling is shared by social service agencies who refer clients, civic leaders who provide continuous support and community at large whose generosity is sustaining. From donations of food, money and services, the gratitude of those served has been evident from the beginning.