Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Since 1983, Loaves and Fishes has served over 5 million meals to many thousands of hungry people throughout Contra Costa County.
- Income
- $3.6 million
- Spending
- $3.5 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 4.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 87%
- Employees
- 48
- Highest pay
- $140,929, ed development
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 82 out of 100.
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 4.3 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 7% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 1% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 26% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 11 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2511 of 11 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $2.1 million spent. Hot Meal ProgramThe Hot meal program serves people living in Contra Costa County who are experiencing food insecurity. Since 1983, Loaves and Fishes has served over 5 million meals to many thousands of hungry people. We have recruited thousands of volunteers and built an organization that has grown to serving over 251,000 meals, and distributing over 200 tons of groceries each fiscal year.Dining RoomsWe operate dining in Antioch, Bay Point, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek where hot meals are provided. We Serve meals to the hungry without regard to race, religion, sex, age, place of residence or any other qualification.
- $769,119 spent. Culinary Arts Training ProgramThis 12-week Culinary Arts program includes training in the basics of a commercial kitchen, job retention and life skills. Our vision is to provide better preparation opportunities for students to obtain jobs that will lead to true careers and financial independence. Students are introduced to the robust Culinary Arts program at Diablo Valley College and are provided help in obtaining jobs in the culinary field. Upon completion of the class each student will have earned the requisite Safety and Sanitation License (ServSafe Certificate) required by law for all food related service workers.
- $108,075 spent. Mobile Unit: Mobile Unit gives LFCC the ability to reach people in need who cannot visit our 5 dining rooms. The mobile unit serves hot meals to anyone that is in need of food living in Contra Costa County. The delivery of meals is provided through partnerships such as other nonprofits, county programs and churches.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 1984.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.