Rancho El Dorado resident Sandy Ballard has turned a bread-making hobby into a small business with a purpose. Her micro sourdough company, Loaf’d, helps support trap, neuter and release efforts for cats around Maricopa, according to InMaricopa.
Ballard started caring for a colony behind Fry’s Marketplace in 2023 and soon learned how many stray cats were in the area. Since then, she has expanded her efforts to more than six colonies and has helped trap, neuter and return more than 100 cats.
After coworkers encouraged her to sell her homemade sourdough, Ballard saw a way to combine both of her interests. She said up to 60% of the proceeds from Loaf’d go toward helping cats in the city, including food for the colonies she watches over, TNR appointments and help with adoption fees.
Fresh loaves are stocked at Honeycutt Coffee about three times a week, and Ballard also takes custom orders and weekly online drops. Her flavors include Italian herb and cheese, jalapeño cheddar, roasted garlic and rosemary, and blueberry lemon.
The business has also gained attention online, including a TikTok video that has drawn more than 15,200 views. Ballard said the name Loaf’d comes from the way cats curl up in a “loaf” position, and from her first colony cat, White Loaf.
