About Us

History

Manna began as a result of requests to various clergy in Bracebridge for “just a few groceries.” It was clear that there were families needing emergency food supplies. In August 1989 a meeting was called by Father Terry Bennett of St Thomas’ Anglican Church; those present became a steering committee.

The food bank immediately became a completely independent entity, with representatives from the whole community, to serve the whole community. It opened its doors in October, 1989, in Browning Hall.

The initial response was slow, but the list of clients soon began to grow with referrals from social agencies and Interval House. We also began to see a steady growth in the amount of food collected and cash donated from various churches, civic groups and organizations and individuals.

During the summer months we thought that the number of our clients would drop. Instead, the economy dropped. As the recession grew, so did our caseload. With clients coming from Gravenhurst, Huntsville and elsewhere, we no longer had to deal with skeptics who had told us there was no need for a food bank in Muskoka.

W are satisfied that those who come are genuinely in need. Many are without work; others are working but caught in a crunch between low wages and high rents. Many are paying 80 per cent of their incomes on rent. For the foreseeable future, it seems the Manna Food Bank will be a fact of life in Muskoka.

Mission

The Manna Food Bank of Bracebridge exists to provide support to those in the community who cannot afford to obtain adequate levels of food. Recognizing that our donors are fundamental to the operations, the food bank will be run in an efficient and effective manner consistent with providing service in a compassionate and caring manner.

Philosophy

• No person loses social worth by becoming a client of a food bank.
• All persons requiring assistance will be given an appropriate food supply.
• All persons requesting assistance will be treated with dignity and in a non-judgmental manner.
• It is recognized that the lifestyle chosen by a person requesting assistance is a private concern and is not a matter for comment or condemnation.
• All information regarding persons requesting assistance is held in strictest confidence and is not discussed either among the food bank volunteers or with outsiders.