Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 15:37

"And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, seven baskets full." — Matthew 15:37 (ASV)

Seven baskets full — The type of baskets used has been explained previously. Since it is unlikely the disciples could have carried these on their journey, we should understand that they were probably brought by some people in the crowd to hold their provisions.

The fact that the disciples were again without provisions shortly afterward (Matthew 16:7) suggests that the leftover fragments had, in turn, been distributed to the poor in the villages of the district to which our Lord and his disciples then traveled.