With an economy perched on the precipice for the past few years, the need to feed the poor seems greater than ever.

But where do those fighting poverty on the front lines in Tampa turn to for help? Many food pantries have looked to 5 And 2, a non-profit ministry that provides aid to local organizations.

The name is based on the New Testament miracle of multiplications, according to Scott Burmeister, a pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church on Hutchison Road, and the organization’s chairman and CEO. Five loaves of bread and two fish fed thousands who were gathered and were hungry, Burmeister said of the miracle, which his organization hopes to emulate.

“Our mission is to humanize those in need through food,” Burmeister said. “We seek to empower organizations who help feed those in need by building food pantries.”

To read more please click here