SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – In 1989, members of the South Lake Tahoe community were facing a struggle with job layoffs in a tough economy and finding themselves in a tough financial situation. Father John Grace, the pastor at the time at St. Theresa Catholic Church, knew he had to do something and talked it over with Wendy David, a long-time volunteer on the South Shore. Father Grace envisioned serving food to the local community and his efforts, along with the help of members of the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church and other community-minded members of the South Lake Tahoe Community, brought to fruition the Bread & Broth (B&B) organization. The first community meal was served on October 19 of that year.
Then year ago B&B celebrated its 25th anniversary and honored those with the organization since the beginning, Pauline and Bud Salvato, Wendy David, Susan Baker, and Susan Newbre.
The first B&B meals were simple and included French bread pizza, spaghetti, and sandwiches. On average, 25 people can to the twice-weekly meal services.
Fast forward to October 2024 and B&B’s outreach food service has grown considerably. The Monday Meals have been serving an average of 110 diners and are full-course, restaurant-quality dinners where the dinner guests also receive bags of dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and other food staples for meals later in the week.
Second Serving, established in 2009, feeds 35-40 community members a salad, soup, and simple entrée every Friday at the Lake Tahoe Presbyterian Church.
To help the community’s food-insecure children between the ages of 18 months to 18 years of age, B&B 4 Kids began in 2015. That program now provides nutritious, kid-friendly weekend food to an average of 275 children weekly during the school and 217 children weekly during the school summer break.
To commemorate the 35 years of service to the community and to honor the volunteers who are actively involved in the program, Bread & Broth’s Advisory Board held a 35th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, October 10 at St. Theresa Church’s Grace Hall. Entertainment was provided by the Steve Walker Band, and tasty food and drinks were served. There were free raffle prizes to thank the B&B volunteers for their selfless service and generosity to our neighbors who need food and kindness.
Bread & Broth would like to thank the following businesses for their generosity in supporting Bread & Broth’s efforts to celebrate 35 years of service and honor our volunteers.
The following businesses/restaurants donated $50 raffle dining/food gift cards: Artemis Lake Tahoe, Bert’s Café, Elements Eatery Bar, Ernie’s Coffee Shop, Overland Meat & Seafood Company, Primo’s Italian Bistro, Riva Grill, Scusa Italian Restorante, Sonney’s BBQ Shack Bar & Grill, and The Getaway Café.
In addition, a very special donation of a $200 gift certificate to any of their restaurants was made by Harrah’s/Harveys’ Casino.
Additional thanks go to the Cork & More for providing items for “A Romantic Evening” raffle basket and to Phil and Diane Weidinger for their donation of a “BBQ Dining – In & Out” raffle basket.
Bread & Broth is so grateful to the South Lake Tahoe Community for their support over the last 35 years. From monetary and food donations to donations of personal time, the outpouring of generosity is what has enabled Bread & Broth, a charitable, all-volunteer, community food outreach organization to be so successful in easing hunger for thousands of members of our community.
For more information on donating or volunteering, go to www.breadandbroth.org,