Story By: Amanda Boothe
Alabaster Ala.— Manna Ministries is a non-profit food bank that works hard to provide the community of Shelby County with food and necessities.
People from the community come out to Manna every Saturday at 6 a.m. ready to volunteer. The day typically starts off with setting up the boxes and carts to put the items in, weighing food and sorting the food in its designated categories.
Around 7 a.m. is when they start passing out the food. The system works as an assembly line that goes rather quickly. Some of the items consisted of sweet potatoes, bread, fruits, meat and much more to last the person or family a week or more. This lasted until 10:30, then it was time to clean up.
Alpha Gamma Delta member Natali Jimenez spoke about why she likes community service, stating,”it helps me contribute to society, it helps me become a better person.”
The food bank serves 400 plus people every week and raises money through grants and donations. The food is donated from places like Publix, Aldi and Walmart. Food is also donated by the community, as well as purchased from the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. If not donated, this food would be thrown out.
Board member and secretary, Joanne Fondren has been working with Manna Ministries since 2018 and shows up every Saturday to give back. Fondren states, “I know there is so much hunger and when any adults or children are suffering from hunger, it is very hard for them to focus on their job or school. I just feel like it is important for them to be well fed.”
If you want to get involved, you can visit their Facebook page. If you require assistance, you can find more information on their website as well.
Vallo Vision News 