Page 46 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 53 Early Spring 2025

MASTER’S by Linda Craig

MANNA

The words Master’s Manna translate to bread from “above.” And that is what
Master’s Manna is all about; serving the community, especially those with food
insecurity, with bread and food in order to sustain life. Master’s Manna, located
at 428 South Cherry Street, began over 19 years ago with the mission of helping
residents of Wallingford and the surrounding communities. Master’s Manna, a
501(c)3 non-profit organization, operates a food pantry, a dining room, and a cloth-
ing distribution center and it is a wonderful place to have your spirits lifted!

egistered shoppers may shop week-
Rly in the pantry which is set up to There is no cost to anyone needing
resemble a grocery store. This allows these services and there are no income
clients to select food items that our cul- guidelines. Master’s Manna is there to
turally and nutritionally appropriate for provide a helping hand to residents.
their family. Available items often in-
clude meat, fish, produce, dairy, breads, This is all possible due to the kindness
bakery items, beverages, and non-per- and generosity of the community. More specialized kitchen volunteers focus on
ishables. Nearly 550 households are than 40 dedicated volunteers provide preparing home-made soups, sauces,
scheduled to shop weekly and 40 home- assistance on a regular basis. They and desserts. There is also an essential
bound individuals received a delivery are passionate and dedicated to help- group of unsung heroes in the kitchen
every Friday. ing others. Shoppers are greeted by who wash dishes and clean.
a friendly face and a shopping cart for
There is always something cooking at groceries or a bag to select clothing. There is a team in both the warehouse
Master’s Manna. Meals are prepared Meals are served in the dining room by and the pantry who accept food dona-
in a commercial kitchen by a part-time a smiling staff which makes our guests tions and stock the shelves. They pro-
chef who is assisted by multiple volun- feel welcome. Our volunteers come in vide assistance to our shoppers during
teer sous chefs. Meal prep begins on early to peel potatoes and carrots, slice food distribution times. The team at
Monday mornings in anticipation of 500 vegetables, and prep for the chef. A few Silversmith Park sorts and arranges the
meals being served during the week. clothing for a pleasant shopping expe-
Breakfast and lunch are served on Tues- rience, resembling a consignment shop.
days and Thursdays and dinner is served
on Wednesday evenings. All of these angels make the many oper-
ations possible at Master’s Manna and
In addition to food, another basic need they believe in making the world a bet-
which Master’s Manna addresses is ter place. It is inspiring when a former
clothing. A 5,000 square foot ware- client regains their footing in life and no
house space at Silversmith Park is home longer needs the assistance of Master’s
to Master’s Manna Clothing. Once or Manna. Some of these individuals “pay
twice a month, free clothing is distribut- it forward” by coming back to volunteer
ed to anyone in the community in need. at Master’s Manna which creates such
positive energy.

46 Wallingford Magazine - Early Spring 2025