On May 5, Manna Café Ministries will celebrate its 13th birthday at the annual Grits & Gravy breakfast.
“Kenny’s love of hearty meals and cooking is reflected in all our events,” explains Vicki York, Manna CEO. “It’s only fitting that we honor his love by sharing a delicious breakfast with those who have supported our mission for all these years.”
The menu will include traditional Southern grits, biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs, fruit, and of course Kenny’s favorite, strawberry cake. As a special treat this year, Mugsy’s will be supplying a special Manna Blend coffee.
May 2010 marked the birth of Kenny York’s dream of Manna Café in Clarksville. The Flood of 2010 hit, and Kenny and his wife Vicki launched full speed into disaster relief via food distribution. A few days later, Manna Café served its first mobile, outdoor hot meal to 35 guests.
From humble beginnings, Manna Café has grown exponentially. One meal per week has become eight. The Food Box Distribution Program (much like a large food pantry) grew from 200 food boxes in May 2010 to more than 2,100 boxes per month currently in Montgomery and Stewart Counties. In a single year, Manna Café distributes 2.5 million pounds of food to local families.
Manna Café has expanded its services to include a clothing ministry, household goods distribution, a warming center on cold nights, hot showers for the homeless, caseworker services, and a free clinic. Manna Café has also been selected to administrate a new state initiative, Our Chance TN. This pilot program will help families bridge the benefits cliff between public assistance and achieving the American dream. This includes a team of two family coaches and a resource navigator to work with local families.
The Grits & Gravy breakfast will be served from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Refuge community center (503 D St.). Tours of the Manna Café campus and operations will be offered at 9 am. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $25 per person, $40 per couple, or a table of 8 seats for $200. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at MannaCafeMinistries.com/grits or by calling 931-933-0970.