Food for the soul: Manna Ministries feeds those in need in central Alabama
Each week Manna Ministries, a nonprofit in Alabaster, distributes food to hundreds of families from the heart of Alabama. On average, 650 to 800 families roll through the drive-thru distribution line each week, hailing from Shelby, Jefferson and Chilton counties and other areas of the state.
These families know they can turn to Manna Ministries each Saturday morning for bread, meats, produce, pantry items and pastries, thanks to donations from local grocers such as Publix, Aldi and Walmart and other vendors and contributions from private residents. Manna Ministries also buys some food from the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama to ensure they have plenty to give to Alabama residents in need. And if anyone wants prayer, the leaders of Manna Ministries offer that, too.
But none of this work is possible without the help of volunteers. In fact, Manna Ministries is entirely led by volunteers. On June 22, 11 members of the Magic City Chapter of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) gathered at Manna Ministries to help unpack boxes, stage and sort foods, and load food into recipients’ cars.
“Manna Ministries’ leaders, and many other volunteers, spend their Saturday mornings every single week – with the exception of major holiday weekends – to sort and provide food to those in need,” said Sharon Trippany, the APSO member who organized the service day. “Each week, Manna Ministries makes a direct impact on local families. Manna Ministries is in direct contact with those receiving their services. You know the food provided is going directly to families in need.”
Trippany learned about Manna Ministries years ago when her son’s soccer team did a service day at the organization’s headquarters. She was immediately impressed.
“They’re pretty remarkable,” the Alabama Power Environmental Affairs specialist said about Manna Ministries. “It’s a pretty massive operation, and they distribute an unbelievable amount of food to people in a short time period each weekend.”
Food is distributed each Saturday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. with the work shift for volunteers running from 7 to 11 am.
“It’s very, very fast-paced,” Trippany added.
At least 30 to 40 volunteers are needed each week to keep the drive-thru distribution line moving quickly and efficiently.
On June 22, APSO volunteers helped Manna Ministries serve 689 families. Some members made the day a family affair by bringing their children along to help out.
“This is a great opportunity to serve the community and to get kids involved to help as well,” Trippany said.
A group of APSO volunteers will return to Manna Ministries on Aug. 17 to pitch in once again.
“The time spent volunteering for Manna Ministries is very rewarding as you get to witness the immediate impact on those in need,” Trippany said. “It only takes four hours of your day to make a difference in others’ lives, while also having the opportunity to meet and connect with other APSO volunteers from across the company.”
For more information about helping at the next APSO service day at Manna Ministries, contact Sharon Trippany at SCTRIPPA@southernco.com.