Church Service Center in Avon Park is now feeding 700 families a month - 25 percent more than last year. ...more

November 15, 2009

The new year of 2009 is here. Last year at Manna saw a substantial increase in the number of families served, a new director and physical building changes. The one obvious fact that we are still open means that God is still blessing us. He blesses us through our wonderful donors. You have given generously of food, clothing, household goods and funds. I would like to say thank you. There have been many sad, wonderful and amazing things happen at Manna this year. Some I have shared with you, others God knows about. Recently I had a lady come in asking for help. Her husband's unemployment had run out, she had been laid off from her job and the prospects of Christmas for her three children were slim. She came to us too late for the Toy Store at the church, all the toys were gone. ...more

January 3, 2009

Normally Claudia Bishop would be doing her consumer lending and small business banking duties as a relationship manager at Riverside Bank, but Wednesday morning she had a different job - bagging groceries and handing out frozen turkeys at Manna Ministries. ...more

December 21, 2008

Olympic first-timer Zach Railey of Clearwater ended Saturday in an unfamiliar position: ahead of "The Man" in Finn class racing, the seemingly invincible British triple medalist Ben Ainslie, in the overall rankings. ...more

August 10, 2008

A 28-year-old Bartow man was killed in a car wreck on U.S. 98 in Polk County early this morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. ...more

July 1, 2008

LAKE PLACID — Thelma Becker has been on a mission to "feed my sheep" since 1994, when she founded Manna Ministries. Becker is stepping down as director at the food pantry for health reasons. Marlene Christiansen will become the new director. Manna supplies 50 pounds of food and up to 20 pieces of clothing each month to clients who are screened for eligibility, based on income. The non-profit organization is donation driven. Memorial United Methodist Church donates the Ministries its home at 416 Kent Avenue. ...more

May 28, 2008