The year was 1981. At the time, there were many unmet needs in the community. The government and other local agencies were simply not able to respond to needs for food, housing and other emergencies. Under the leadership of Reverend John Touchberry of St. John’s United Church of Christ, local churches and caring individuals from the community came together. Out of that gathering, Manna on Main Street was born. For the first two years, operations took place from the basement of the church. When the building next door was donated by a parishioner, Manna on Main Street came to life.
At the outset, soup was served two days a week and government surplus food was distributed. Day to day operations were handled by volunteers. In the early 1990s, a part-time coordinator was hired to oversee financial aid for emergencies. Over time, Manna on Main Street’s hours and programs were expanded to respond to increasing community needs.
Today, Manna on Main Street is still driven by community needs. With a full time staff of three people and a volunteer force of over 1,000 (we’re still counting), meals are served, food is distributed and funds are provided for emergencies. More importantly, Manna on Main Street is a place where all people are welcome – people in need and people who want to serve.
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