History

For years, the women of St. Andrew’s Church and surrounding parishes would feed the hungry in our community. In 1983, Victor Scussel, his wife, and his friends decided to establish a soup kitchen out of this idea. Open three days a week, the basement of St. Andrew’s Church was used as a location to feed twenty neighborhood children after school.

Rev. Craig Peek, pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church, helped raise awareness within the various churches in town. Area markets, stores, and schools helped continue the mission of Enfield Loaves & Fishes when Victor Scussel passed away and his widow, Gloria, carried on with the help of the Board of Directors.

John Monteleone then became president while filling many volunteer capacities and was instrumental in keeping the kitchen running. In 1987, Priscilla Brayson joined Enfield Loaves & Fishes as a volunteer while her husband, Murray Brayson, joined the Board as president. They were a vital component in growing the program and eventually, Priscilla joined the organization as a paid staff member. Priscilla retired as the Executive Director in 2021.

Maya Nicole Matthews took over as Executive Director in September of 2021 after spending 10 years working for the Town of Enfield. She is active in many nonprofit organizations across the state.

Enfield Loaves & Fishes has gone from providing 15,625 meals in 1992 to 70,125 meals in 2022. Donations along with grant awards fund the kitchen, which is run by a talented new staff, loyal volunteers, community partnerships, and an active Board of Directors. Our entire community works together to ensure that our essential service perseveres through generosity, teamwork, and ingenuity.