Manna Food Bank

Manna Food Bank is a registered charity (Charity number 1188762) operating in the Borough of Spelthorne, United Kingdom. The organisation is dedicated to providing emergency food parcels and household essentials to local families and individuals who are referred by statutory and voluntary agencies and are perceived to be in immediate need. It primarily relies on donated food and community support to assist people facing hardship due to factors such as redundancy, illness, domestic violence, debt, benefit disputes, family breakdowns, or unexpected emergencies.

History and Mission

Manna Food Bank was founded by a committee of local individuals in Spelthorne with the aim of supporting the local community in times of food insecurity. Its mission is to alleviate hunger by distributing food and essentials to residents of Spelthorne who are in urgent need, ensuring that local food banks serve local people through coordinated efforts.

Operations and Services

The organisation operates as a volunteer-led community project and distributes donated food and household items to recipients. Donations come from local individuals, groups, and businesses. During periods of high demand, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Manna Food Bank adapted by establishing new donation points in local shops when church donation centers were closed.

Volunteers play a vital role in collecting, sorting, and packing food parcels, which are delivered to those in need multiple times a week. The charity works collaboratively with other food banks in the Spelthorne area to optimize service to the community.

Community Engagement and Support

Manna Food Bank actively engages with community groups such as the 6th Staines Beavers, Cubs & Scouts, who have regularly supported the charity through food drives and monetary donations. For example, during their annual carol service in December 2024, they collected nearly 100 kilograms of food and household essentials, demonstrating strong local backing for Manna’s work.

Funding and Impact

For the financial year ending 31 December 2023, Manna Food Bank reported a total income of £44,634. Its resources are utilized to purchase and distribute food parcels as well as cover operational costs. Grants, such as one from the Community Foundation for Surrey, have also been instrumental in enabling the charity to secure fresh produce and maintain efficient delivery services.

Governance

Manna Food Bank is overseen by a board of trustees, including notable members such as Elizabeth Wood-Dow OBE, who serves as the Chair of Trustees. The leadership and volunteer teams work together to ensure that the charity meets its objectives and responds to the growing needs of the community effectively.

Manna Food Bank exemplifies a grassroots charitable effort focused on combating local food insecurity through community collaboration, volunteerism, and sustained public support within the Spelthorne borough.

[1] https://www.mannafoodbank.co.uk [2] https://www.mannafoodbank.co.uk/about_us [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5158681 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5158681/contact-information [5] https://www.surreylieutenancy.org/the-brigitte-trust/