March 24, 2020

The Latest Update from MANNA


March 24, 2020

Dear Friends,

We are strengthened by your incredible support over the last few weeks – your volunteer hours, donations, and social media love are helping us navigate this ever-changing time. Thank you so much.

Last Thursday, I was honored to be asked by the City of Philadelphia to represent the extraordinary community of non-profits in Philadelphia and speak about the importance of supporting our neighbors during this crisis. We were thrilled that city officials repeated that MANNA is an essential service provider and MANNA staff and volunteers are essential personnel.

I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on MANNA’s operations:

All client deliveries are proceeding as scheduled. Client deliveries take place Tuesday – Friday, and MANNA clients receive one delivery of 21 meals per week per client. We are continuing our “No Contact” deliveries for the safety of our clients and drivers. All clients also received their shelf-stable emergency meal box of one week’s worth of meals.

Until further notice, MANNA will be closed on Mondays. This will have no impact on our client deliver schedule, and will allow us to take further precautions in keep our staff and volunteers safe and healthy. We will continue our Tuesday through Friday volunteer shifts – though as previously announced, our evening volunteer shifts are eliminated until further notice. We appreciate your understanding of our evolving needs and schedule.

Though we are limiting the number of volunteers allowed in the kitchen at one time, we are inviting volunteers who are feeling healthy and not considered especially high risk by the CDC, to join us in the kitchen or on a delivery shift. Available shifts can be viewed at manna.volunteerhub.com, or give us a call at (215) 496-2662 x3.

MANNA was founded thirty years ago in the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis here in Philadelphia. A group of dedicated, passionate volunteers came together in a time of incredible fear and uncertainty. Coming together in a crisis is exactly what brought MANNA to life, and is exactly what will get us through this.

If you are looking for a way to help from home, I invite you to make a donation to support our efforts.

I thank you again for your support.

Best Regards,

Sue Daugherty, RDN LDN

MANNA CEO