I or someone I know needs assistance; How do I get help from Manna’s Market?
To receive food, please bring a photo ID and proof of residency for each adult in the household. Some additional personal information will be required. Families and individuals may come to The Market once every month for as long as they need assistance. They will receive enough non-perishable food items and toiletries to last approximately six days. The food, clothing, and baby pantry items provided by Manna’s Market are free of charge.
What kind of food can be expected at Manna’s Market?
Non-perishable groceries consistently provided include cereal, rice, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, pasta, canned tuna, canned fruit and vegetables, soup, potatoes, stuffing, skillet dinners, baking mix, meat, and juice or milk. Bread, jelly, and syrup may also be available and distributed while supplies last.
In addition, basic clothing is available for distribution for those in need, as well as baby pantry items. Paper products, such as paper towels and toilet paper, along with basic toiletries are also available.
Who is eligible?
Any needy family or individual residing in the communities of the Lakewood School District, Vermontville, Mulliken, or Barry County who meets basic eligibility requirements.
How often can I get assistance from Manna’s Market?
Families and individuals may come once a month to receive assistance from Manna’s Market.
How do you determine how much food families receive?
The amount of food received is based on family size. Food amounts are approximately 6 days of food per person, as determined by the USDA.
I am unable to go to Manna’s Market. Can a friend or family member go for me?
Recipients may have a friend or family member pick up food for them with prior permission. Permission can be received by contacting Jayne Flanigan at (269) 838-5887.
How is Manna’s Market able to operate?
Manna’s Market is able to operate because it has no paid staff. We currently work with about 186 volunteers to run every aspect of The Market.
The Market receives grants to purchase food, toiletries and baby pantry items from the Barry County United Way, the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program from both Ionia and Barry Counties, the Barry Community Foundation, Cargill Kitchen Solutions, its partnership with the Food Bank of South Central Michigan, and donations from private donors. Manna’s Market has also received grants from the Barry Community Foundation for special equipment and a trailer to haul food.
What kind of baby pantry items does The Market have to distribute?
Diapers, wipes, sippy cups, bottles, formula, food, cereal, bibs, blankets, and clothing. Baby pantry items are also available to those eligible one time per month for as long as needed.
What if I am homeless?
Manna’s Market provides homeless packs as necessary. They include dish pan, dish rag, dish towel, dish soap, wash cloth, hand towel, body towel, bar of soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, hair brush and comb, plates, cups, silverware, can opener, salt & pepper, sterno cooking heat and range top, cooking pans, flash light, blanket.
