CLARKSVILLE, TN – On May 7th, Manna Cafe will celebrate its fourteenth birthday at the annual Grits & Gravy breakfast. “Kenny’s love of cooking is reflected in all our events,” explains Vicki York, Manna CEO. “It’s only fitting that we honor his love by sharing a hearty 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.
May 2010 marked the birth of Kenny York’s dream of Manna Cafe 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 Cafe served its first mobile, outdoor hot meal to 35 guests.
From humble beginnings, Manna Cafe has grown exponentially. Records show that in just one month (Jan. 2024), Manna served 4,109 plates of hot food and distributed more than 2,400 grocery boxes (not including their Stewart County location!). Homeless clients enjoyed 177 showers, and during the cold spell that month, the emergency warming center was open 14 nights, with an average of 40-45 guests each night. In a single year, Manna Cafe distributes 2.5 million pounds of food to local families. Manna Cafe has expanded its services since 2010 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 Cafe has also been selected to administrate a new state initiative, Our Chance TN. This program helps 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 – 9:00 a.m. at officeNOW located at 1860 Wilma Rudolph Boulevard. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $25 per person, $45 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.