Mission (impossible?) …to end hunger in the North Penn region by providing food, fulfilling social service needs and conducting community education through a food pantry and soup kitchen…
WOW! That’s quite a big undertaking!
Manna on Main Street has been around for 31 years doing just that… providing emergency food services for the people of Lansdale and the Greater North Penn area.
“Manna started as a soup kitchen in the basement of a church serving just a few times per week. Then we moved to a small house right next to the church which allowed us to open a small food pantry. A year and a half ago we moved into our new facility where we are really able to expand our services.” according to Suzan Gould, Executive Director of Manna on Main Street. “Manna always had dreams to do more and this new facility really allowed us to expand.”
“We serve 7 days a week, 2 meals per day Monday through Saturday and one meal on Sunday. At every meal we serve anywhere from 60-80 people. They can come through our doors we don’t ask any questions. If you need a warm meal and you come through our doors you are welcome at our table.” adds Suzan. “Manna on Main has seen the participation in the soup kitchen increase by 60% since moving into the new building. While the news often states that the economy is improving, these numbers tell us that it is not improving for the most vulnerable among us.”
Manna on Main’s Food Pantry is a Choice model meaning clients are allowed select the foods that their family will enjoy including fresh produce, frozen meats, dairy products and non-perishable foods. They are given a list of what types of food and how much they are allowed according to the size of their family.
This summer they have also added a program for families with school age children. During the school year, these children are entitled to free or reduced cost meals at their school but during the months of July and August, they are home, eating with their family. Families that qualify for this program are allowed to shop the food pantry 3 times per summer month rather than the usual two.
With their recent move to a new, modern facility on Main St. in Lansdale, Manna on Main has been able to expand the scope of services offered to emergency financial aid, counseling and referrals, and community outreach. They offer a summer cooking program for teenagers, provide healthy snacks to the North Penn Boys and Girls Club Homework Program, and backpacks full of school supplies to those who use their services. The also run an Adopt a Child program during the holiday season.
In support of this program, which creates an acute need for more donations of non-perishable foods during the summer months, Impact Thrift Stores has organized a Food Drive at our Montgomeryville and Norristown stores.
During the month of August, 2013, drop off your non-perishable food donation to either of these two Impact Thrift Stores and receive a 25% off coupon for use in the store!
How can you help keep Manna on Main Street’s shelves filled?
Donate non-perishable food… click here for the complete list of needs.
Donate time… Volunteers are welcome on an individual or group basis.
Shop Impact Thrift… Net proceeds help to support Manna on Main and others
Donate to Impact Thrift… your gently-used donations are vital to the process!
Manna on Main Street’s goal of ending hunger may be lofty… but with our help it can be achieved!
