A stacking conveyor for receiving slices cut from a food loaf or slab includes a frame, an endless belt conveying surface, a carrier, a plurality of pins, and a motive mechanism. The endless belt conveying surface is supported by the frame. The carrier is arranged beneath the top surface of the endless belt conveying surface. The plurality of pins protrude upward from the carrier, each of the pins having a sharp top end. The motive mechanism is configured for raising the carrier to elevate the top ends of the pins above the top surface of the endless belt conveying surface to receive and impale a first slice of a stack. The pins are then retracted beneath the conveying surface.