CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Manna Café Ministries, one of the largest faith-based ministries and nonprofit organizations in the region, has served those in need in Clarksville-Montgomery County and surrounding communities for over 16 years

It all began in 2010 with Kenny York, a Clarksville native, and his wife Vicki, who served as missionaries in Nashville. They both saw a need in Clarksville to help those in need with food and other services.

Kenny passed away in 2022, but the ministry that he and Vicki began continues to grow each day along with that founding belief that every person deserves to be treated with love and dignity.

Food assistance, internships, showers and more

Dorthea Minor, who has been with the organization for many years, is the new CEO of Manna Café Ministries. Minor said they serve around 50,000 individuals each year. Some people receive one-time help, and many others need long-term support.

She said applications for food and other help are increasing with about 100 applications per month in 2026. The organization also does food rescue with food stores and restaurants, bringing in over 1 million pounds of food each year.

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Their site on Providence Boulevard also provides many other services. A commercial kitchen serves hot meals along with a culinary internship program. The facility is also a warming center during bitterly cold weather and a cooling center when it is extremely hot.

For those who are homeless, once a week there are free showers and free personal hygiene items. Among its many services, there is also a free medical clinic available at Manna Café.

Combat Hunger food drive

Minor said Manna Café just held their annual Combat Hunger community-wide food drive in October to stock their warehouse shelves for the winter months, and thanks to the community, it was very successful.

For its 16th year, more than 100 businesses, organizations and churches held food drives at their locations with sites also in Stewart County. The event was sponsored by 5 Star Media Group and Wyatt Johnson Toyota.

Combat Hunger collected a total of 31,431 pounds of food this year, which translates into more that 26,000 meals for area residents. That came after the participation and efforts of around 150 volunteers.

The winner of the Combat Hunger Corporate Championship Belt was the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, which collected 1,323 pounds of food. The School Championship Belt went to Liberty Elementary, whose students collected 1,126 pounds of food.

Holiday assistance from Manna

Next for Manna Café, Minor said for for everyone who comes in around Thanksgiving, they will try to find ways to give them a little bit extra. Manna Café will also be holding its special Christmas Store for families on Dec. 17 and 18.

Manna Café Ministries is at 605 Providence Blvd. To learn more about the work of the organization, to donate or volunteer, visit mannacafeministries.org, email info@mannacafeministries.com, or call 931-933-0970.

Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is a Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.