CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Manna Cafe held their annual Grits and Gravy Breakfast at OfficeNow on Tuesday, celebrating the nonprofit’s 14th year serving Clarksville.
Many donors and Clarksville officials were in attendance, as the organization reflected on the last year, and gave updates about what is to come, and what is needed.
Event organizer and donor advocate Jayme Dix said, “The one thing we really like about Grits and Gravy is that we are able to invite people who have been with us both long-term and who have never heard of us, who can learn a little bit more about the organization; learn what we have done over the past year with their donation dollars, and how they can help us further our mission.”
Dix said the event gives space to celebrate as well. “Every year it’s a reminder of where we started and where we are. … We are growing, we are distributing more food than ever, we are serving more food than ever, and we need more than ever.”
Tremendous growth of Manna
Manna Cafe has grown tremendously since its beginning in 2010. In just one month, January 2024, Manna served 4,109 plates of hot food and distributed more than 2,400 grocery boxes (not including their Stewart County location), according to a news release. 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, the release said.
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.
To learn more about how you can volunteer or donate to Manna Cafe, visit their website.