Bread of Faith and Love, a Local Carb Story
Lori Loomis Fudge {Contributed Photo}
Some people bring flowers. Adopted family Lorie, Mikey and Mike Loomis show up with fresh fudge and mental health support especially when life brings you back to a place of humility. Kivi Leroux Miller from Rabble and Rise Baking Co. has a way of making sure there's always something savory; occasionally it’s from her oven but mostly from her heart. And if you've ever stopped by Pan de Fe in Thomasville, you will know that artisan breads have a way of turning an ordinary flour into something that transcends language barriers.
Rabble and Rise created a fundraiser for local businesses closed due to a fire in Uptown Lexington.
My friend Alegnon Cash at Eat, Triad, Triad, once told me, Food IS Love. I say it often. It's comfort after a hard day, celebration during life's milestones and sometimes just an excuse to gather.
That same passion recently earned Pan de Fe the top honor in Launch/Avanza Thomasville's second cohort. The bakery received a business grant after earning the highest score in the program's business pitch competition. Despite language challenges, I could feel the love when Ata invited me to the bakery, which translates to Bread of Faith.
Known for artisan breads and sweets made fresh daily without preservatives, Pan de Fe is building its reputation one loaf at a time. And the only thing flaky is the bread. Every morning, customers can count on fresh ingredients, traditional baking methods and flavors developed before the sun comes up.
Galia (left) and Don Jorge los haran are the owners of Pan de Fe Bakery with Atalia Caradenas and Davidson Local’s Antionette Kerr
It reminds me of my baking mom and what I jokingly called her “food ministry.” For many years, she made fresh biscuits at Southern Lunch, a skill passed down through generations of “Anthony” women. We did not have much to offer monetarily, yet we were always offering someone food.
This is why I am thankful for Launch/Avanza is funded through the City of Thomasville's participation in the Southern Cities Economic Initiative, a partnership with the National League of Cities and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The program is designed to strengthen local businesses while creating lasting economic opportunities throughout the community. I can only imagine what this idea would have meant for my family.
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The initiative is led by my friend and former Lexington Senior High schoolmate, Atalia Cardenas, the City's Economic Mobility Program Manager, who works with community organizations, financial institutions, educational partners, and business development professionals to help entrepreneurs access the tools and resources they need to succeed. Although we jokingly agree that I roll my “R” in Español like a “Grillo” or Cricket, the Latino Association still embraces me. Ata and I have long shared “foodie” love. Our lunch meetings give me a break from my otherwise low-carb commitment.
For Panadería Pan de Fe, the award is more than a grant. It's recognition that great businesses aren't built only on recipes— Like most restaurant workers, they're built on early mornings, community and the joy of sharing good food.
I am thankful for Thomasville’s innovation in this area and for friends who know just how to bring carb-filled comfort and a plate overflowing with kindness.
Because around here, food isn't just something we eat.
It's one of the many ways we take care of each other.
La comida es amor, como la familia
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