Manna on Meridian Feeds The Need!

270 hungry Tallahassee families were helped by Manna on Meridian February 19th.  One regular, Deacon Chukes of the Cathedral of Faith Church of God in Christ, picks up food for 10 families including a minimum-wage restaurant worker with five children, and a 92-year old grandma who lives in a nursing home. 

UUCT’s participation is coordinated by our own Carolyn Pardue.  We fill 250 bags with produce on Friday for distribution on the third Saturday each month at Faith Presbyterian Church.  You are always welcome to drop by and help out! 

Manna on Meridian is a combined food pantry by five local churches.  They rotate responsibility for filling paper bags with canned goods and distributing food.  The assistance provided by Manna is a gift without questions asked.  No federal funds are accepted, nor does Manna purchase food from federally supported programs, both of which would require identification and proof of need. 

The pantry has operated for 13 years on Meridian Road.  While the numbers of those needing help were averaging 150 per month prior to the pandemic, Manna is now serving 200-250 families monthly.  It is run solely on donations of goods and money, and the work of dedicated volunteers.  Non-perishable food items can be deposited in the bright blue box in the room at the rear of the UUCT Sanctuary, and monetary donations are always welcome!  Target foods are: peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, pasta, dried beans, cereal, instant milk, canned meat/fruits/vegetables/soup. (No glass containers and no opened containers, please.)  Healthy cereal (normal box size) and oatmeal are really needed! 

Volunteers bag produce on February 18th for distribution the next day.  Left to right: Leane Rhodes (UUCT), Pat Brown (Faith), Geri Atkinson Hazelton (friend), Kathryn Schroeder (UUCT), Susan Snyder (UUCT), Sue Wiley (Faith).  Not pictured: UUCTers Howard & Carolyn Pardue and Mike & Karen Share.
“Manna Maniacs” distribute food in the early morning hours on February 19th at Faith Presbyterian Church.