Thank you for featuring Manna Community Kitchen in your July 31 article in the Gazette [“New recipe for service at Manna”]. We’re truly grateful for highlighting our efforts and the chance to share more about our mission.
At the core of Manna Community Kitchen is our incredible team of volunteers. Their dedication, skill, and passion are the driving forces behind our ability to serve over 1,200 meals each week. The recent article highlighted Heather Culver, one of our staff members, stepping into a leadership role with guidance from Chris Ware. While this is noteworthy, we deeply appreciate the ongoing contributions of our volunteers, who are the backbone of our operations.
Funding for our work is sustained by the generosity of individual donors in our community. Though we are fortunate to receive seasonal project-based support from partners like Smith College, local retailers, and The Community Garden, it is the unwavering support from our community that keeps our meal program thriving. Chris Ware’s mentorship has been so helpful, providing invaluable insights that have strengthened our team. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that the leadership and daily operations of our kitchen are expertly managed by our committed volunteers and staff.
We hope this letter offers a more complete picture of the collective effort that drives Manna’s mission. Each volunteer, donor, and community partner plays a vital role, and we are profoundly thankful for every one of them. With gratitude, Kaitlyn Ferrari Interim Program Manager Karen McAmis Board President Manna Community Kitchen
Kaitlyn Ferrari, interim program manager
Karen McAmis, board president
Manna Community Kitchen, Northampton