5,000 Pies is a small, storefront restaurant and “social enterprise” operated by Fountain of Life Covenant Church in a multi-ethnic and economically challenged neighborhood on the west side of Long Beach, California. This video illustrates how the pizza place allows the church to serve the needs of its community, with not only good food but also job training, mentoring and life skills for young adults.
The name 5,000 Pies references the biblical story of Jesus feeding the five thousand people, and the church and chef aim to provide physical and spiritual nourishment. Through 5,000 Pies, the church works with the local high school (across the street) in a culinary club, teaching high schoolers who are interested in pursuing a culinary career different aspects of the business, but also mentoring them in a broader way. This exemplifies the larger mission of Fountain of Life Church to be committed to serving the needs of the residents of its community, whether through simple acts such as frequenting the local Starbuck’s to check in with local residents, or through their Family Center or through their efforts at 5,000 Pies.
This video is part of CRCC’s “Reimagining Religion: Stories of Religious Creativity in L.A.” series, part of the Religious Competition and Creative Innovation project. The project was made possible through the support of a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.
