5 Loaves Ministries is hosting its second annual Deep in the Heart of Texas gala at 6 p.m. Friday, March 20, at The Atrium in Garland. File art

One year into leading 5 Loaves Ministries, Rebekah Rodgers has already left her mark on the nonprofit — growing its donor base, rebranding the organization and preparing to launch a new family-focused program.

That momentum continues this month as she prepares to lead the second annual Deep in the Heart of Texas gala, a western-themed fundraiser that begins at 6 p.m. Friday, March 20, at The Atrium in Garland. 

Entertainment will be provided by Texas-based singer-songwriter Brady Davis. In addition to a live auction and an online auction beginning March 16, guests may participate in $100 mystery boxes and wine and spirit pulls. VIP table tickets offer early entry and preferred seating. Tickets are available at https://givebutter.com/c/TexasGala.

Rodgers began working at 5 Loaves as operations manager in 2023 and was promoted to assistant director within a year. In 2024, Wallace began training Rodgers to eventually assume leadership of the nonprofit. When Wallace later accepted a position at Wylie Christian Care Center, Rodgers’ transition timeline accelerated.

“I started working closely with the board of directors at 5 Loaves to make sure I had a clear idea of what is expected of me and visiting other executive directors at local nonprofits to get their insight and advice,” Rodgers said.

On April 1, 2025, Rodgers was formally recognized as executive director and began pursuing a goal of making 5 Loaves a household name.

“So many times, neighbors have stopped by in the last three years asking who we are and what we do,” she said. “Since April 2025, we have seen tremendous growth in our social media followers, and our donor base has grown exponentially.”

Rodgers said she also wanted to clarify that 5 Loaves exists “to offer a hand up, not a hand out.” As part of that effort, the organization moved to a biweekly food distribution schedule.

“By dividing the client list by last name and serving A-M one week and N-Z another, we are able to stretch our food further, serve more families and also have the hope that people don’t become dependent on us,” Rodgers said.

A highlight of Rodgers’ first year was the organization’s 10th anniversary celebration in October. The event included a ribbon cutting, open house and announcement of a rebrand from “5 Loaves Food Pantry” to “5 Loaves Ministries.”

“I wanted to keep the ‘5 Loaves’ to pay homage to where we came from, but by adding the ‘Ministries,’ it helps people to see us as more than a food pantry,” Rodgers said.

The anniversary celebration also served as the introduction of the Mustard Seed Project, a new initiative created “to nurture children and families with hope, support and opportunity to break generational cycles while cultivating Christ-centered leaders.” Rodgers said the first phase of the program will launch in March.

In 2025, 5 Loaves provided food to 36,825 families. Current pantry needs include macaroni and cheese, canned meat and cereal. More information about donations and volunteer opportunities is available at 5loavesministries.org.

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