Seeds of generosity are producing a harvest of hope through Manna House in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — As grocery prices continue to strain household budgets, Mercy House is expanding its efforts to fight hunger with three new resources designed to serve more families across the capital city and surrounding communities.
The nonprofit organization unveiled the Manna House Prepared Food Commissary, the Manna on Wheels food truck and the Mobile Mercy Command Unit during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. Pastor Ken Austin, executive director of Mercy House and the MAP Center, said the project was made possible through the support of volunteers, donors and community partners.
“”We had purpose in our heart and so many people helped make this happen,” Austin said. “Our team, our board and the community all came together. Those who are eating may never know who made this happen, but they’ll know there’s good in this community.”
The new commissary was created by renovating an aging building on South Court Street with help from local construction companies and businesses that donated labor and materials. Austin said the project faced setbacks, including the theft of donated electrical wiring before construction was completed.
“We believe in getting things done,” Austin said. “We’re not much about talking, but we love to see things happening, and this is the result of a lot of work coming together for the city, the county and the people in need.”
The Manna on Wheels food truck will allow volunteers to deliver meals, snacks and bottled water directly to people who may not be able to travel to Manna House. Austin said the vehicle also will expand food deliveries into more rural parts of Montgomery County.
“We can transport kindness into the community,” Austin said. “We can spread kindness and joy throughout the City of Montgomery.”
Drew Woods, chairman of the Mercy House Board of Directors, said the expansion also will benefit churches and nonprofit organizations that encounter people in need but do not operate food ministries.
“If people come to you hungry, you can come to us and we’ll satisfy that need for you,” Woods said. “It’s a convenient way to meet that basic need.”
During Thursday’s ceremony, Austin recognized seven workers, community leaders and business owners who helped make the project possible by presenting them with commemorative chef hats and aprons. The first chef’s hat was presented to Head Chef Addrene Thomas.
Austin began Mercy House’s feeding ministry more than 20 years ago by distributing paper bags of food. Thomas has worked alongside Austin for years, helping grow Mercy House’s meal program from serving 30 to 40 people each day to hundreds. With the new commercial kitchen and restaurant-grade equipment, the organization is now equipped to prepare about 1,000 meals daily. And now, Thomas won’t have to wake up before dawn to get the food ready in time.
“”I did all this on a regular stove like we have at home so it’s just amazing to have this restaurant with these different stoves that I can use,” Thomas said. “Now it’ll be much easier, and I can prepare more and help more people in need.”
Her passion comes from remembering her own childhood growing up in Lowndes County as the youngest of twelve children.
“I can see myself in some of the people we feed every day,” she said. “That really touches my heart and helps me be there for them.”
She encouraged anyone experiencing financial hardship or food insecurity to contact MAP (334)676-3040 or Mercy House (334)649-1089.
“”I want everyone to know, if you know anyone in need or you’re just in need yourself, or if this month you had a crisis and something happened don’t be afraid and don’t be embarrassed to ask for help,” Thomas said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
People interested in volunteering to prepare meals or learning more about Mercy House, the MAP Center and Manna House can contact the organization for additional information.
