This is your source for volunteer news, program updates, opportunities, and events. Best of all, it's where we can highlight YOU, and the amazing work Manna volunteers accomplish! |
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April is Volunteer Month!
It's a whole month dedicated to our volunteers who make Manna operational! We couldn't do it without you!
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April 17th-April 23rd is Volunteer Week!
We will celebrate YOU by having coffee and donuts all week, Monday-Friday 9am-Noon. Drop in at your convenience to say "Hi"!
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"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." - William Shakespeare
Thank you for your gifts!
Did you know in 2021 the estimated national value of a volunteer hour is $28.54? In 2021 with 3,330 hours of volunteerism your combined worth was nearly $100,000! You are all amazing!
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Let’s Celebrate!
Manna would like to invite you to the 35th Anniversary Open House.
June 1, 2022 4pm-7pm
Emmet County Fairgrounds Community Center
Join us to celebrate the history and success of Manna Food Project while enjoying delicious food, prizes and more!
Formal invitation to follow
Manna Food Project turns 35 this year, and it is what it is today because of so many amazing volunteers like you, that want to make a difference in people’s lives. The Manna Food Project was dreamt up over a weekly coffee gathering of five men who felt called to feed the hungry in Northern Michigan. What started as a soup kitchen grew so quickly that a pantry agreement was signed with the West Michigan Gleaners, now known as Feeding America West Michigan. This agreement allowed purchasing large quantities of food at dramatically reduced prices for weekly food distribution. By 1987 they rented warehouse space and opened the first pantry.
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Volunteer Spotlight
Doug Ball
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Doug enjoys the outdoors and volunteering at various organizations such as The Villa and Habitat for Humanity in addition to all the hard work he puts in at Manna. You will often find Doug helping in the backpack area restocking the line. He has put in 86 hours since January at Manna. Thank you Doug for all your dedication to Manna and the families we serve! |
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Matthew Flickema Returns! |
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Matthew's last day was Friday 18th, his second first day will be Monday, March 28th. Welcome back to Manna, Matthew! |
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The humble duo pictured here during their coffee break, being the giving Turkeys that they were!
Donald Jacobson- passed away March 1, 2022
Don was a humble volunteer whom we saw every Tuesday morning until he was unable to continue his service to others. He was known as "Sweetie" and would help pass out the sweets to our clients. His kind heart and love for woodworking will never be forgotten.
Keith Engstrom- passed away December 29, 2020
Keith who continued to serve until officially retiring to North Carolina with his wife Sallee. Keith was known as "The Meat Man" and remembered for his compassion and giving soul. He always knew how to make you smile.
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Please make sure all your personal information is updated! It's always helpful to have your correct contact information. We will also be mailing our 35th year anniversary invites, we want to make sure you receive it!
See Amanda if you need help setting up your account for the first time. Any staff member can help you sign up for shifts or update your contact if you need assistance.
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Trainings covering Food Safety and Civil Rights are from Feeding America and are required for all food bank or food pantry volunteers/staff. MSU extension offers optional training for food safety, link below. Let Matthew or Amanda know if you need assistance. We will also have a laptop available if you chose to take it while your here at Manna.
Manna strives to provide volunteers with meaningful opportunities to engage in our mission, matching volunteer interests and abilities to our needs. To that end, we periodically suggest volunteers to complete training sessions on topics related to our food assistance programs.
By keeping everyone properly trained:
- Our volunteers feel knowledgeable, comfortable, and confident in their roles.
- We maintain a safe and positive environment for everyone.
- We ensure the food we distribute is safe to eat.
- We fulfill our mission in the most effective and efficient way possible.
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Interested in how many volunteer hours are spent at Manna to make the organization run?
The grand total for hour's for the month of March will be approximately 317 by the 31st.
Thank you for making Manna's mission a success. Your dedication and support is much appreciated by Manna and the Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet county communities.
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Manna Food Project now has an optional mask policy for all volunteer opportunities. This applies to employees, volunteers, and visitors. We want you to be comfortable and feel safe during your time with us. For your safety we are continuing our daily cleaning schedules of all staff and volunteer area's including all vehicles.
We have a supply of Covid tests available at Manna should you question if your sniffle is really a cold. Please ask a staff member for a test before your shift.
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Food Rescue Volunteer Recruiting |
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Manna is seeking additional drivers and riders for our food rescue program. This program is dedicated to rescuing food from local area stores and distributing it to our clients and partner pantries.
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We provide two individual food rescue opportunities here at Manna.
- 8AM food rescue is Monday thru Friday. This is a volunteer opportunity for a single volunteer and takes 60 minutes to complete or less.
- 9AM food rescue is Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9AM-11AM. This opportunity is supported by a driver and rider for the shift duration.
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Manna Food Project now has an optional mask policy for all volunteer opportunities. This applies to employees, volunteers, and visitors. We want you to be comfortable and safe during your time with us. For your safety we are continuing our daily cleaning schedules of all staff and volunteer area's including all vehicles.
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Volunteers
- Masks are are now optional for all staff and volunteers that enter the Manna Food Project regardless of volunteer opportunity.
- Masks will be available near the door for volunteers that wish to wear them.
- Volunteers should wash their hands upon entry and follow good hygiene practices (such as wearing gloves while packing produce, social distancing, and sanitizing hands and workspaces frequently) while at our facility.
- In the case of possible or confirmed COVID-19 exposure, please quarantine if instructed to do so by a health care professional as well as follow health department protocols.
- Manna will follow the current MDHHS guidelines for reporting.
Individual and Group Volunteering
- To ensure a rewarding, safe, and enjoyable experience, all individuals and groups are asked to schedule volunteer shifts in advance. Currently, walk-in volunteer opportunities are unavailable.
- Please let Manna staff members know your preference and comfort level working with others before your scheduled shift.
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