Seven Loaves Services, arguably one of the most successful and beloved organizations of its kind in this area, was founded in 1994 to provide nutritious food, personal supplies and other assistance to those in need in Middleburg and the surrounding community.

A number of local churches and civic organizations came together at the time to further the vision of Rev. Martin Spilman, at that time the pastor of Middleburg United Methodist Church, to provide a community-wide, ecumenical approach to alleviating hunger and food insecurity in the community.

Several other churches, including Middleburg Baptist, St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic, Emmanuel Episcopal, Long Branch Baptist, and others, joined forces, together with civic groups like the Middleburg Lions Club, to provide initial funding and volunteers to support the effort.

All of these organizations, and others, continue to support Seven Loaves' mission.

Last year, it served over 725 households -- comprising some 2,900 people -- who visited Seven Loaves over 4,800 times for food assistance.

It's patrons come from Loudoun and Fauquier counties, as well as Clarke, Warren, Frederick and more than a dozen other counties in Virginia and West Virginia.

Seven Loaves is a volunteer organization that relies on the hard work and tireless efforts of more than 40 individuals each week to meet the needs of the people in need it serves.

Volunteers are always needed.

Additional information can be found at www.sevenloavesmiddleburg.org or by calling (540) 687-3489.