Manna Food Project suspending public food donations amid coronavirus concerns
EMMET COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- An Emmet County food pantry is making some major changes due to the coronavirus.
Manna Food Project announced Monday they will suspend all food donations from the public, including from more than 20 businesses participating in its Food Rescue Program.
Manna will still be open and distributing food to those who need it but will not be accepting food donations at this time.
“Food donations are highly valued, as they reduce the burden on food pantry budgets and increase the variety of food available to clients,” says Kim Baker, Manna’s executive director. “Suspending this program was a difficult decision to make, but it’s for the protection of our staff, our volunteer rescue drivers, store employees, and recipients of the donated food.”
Along with the suspension, Manna's facility will only be open Monday through Thursday with staff working from home on Fridays.
This change goes into effect immediately and will continue until Governor Whitmer's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order has been lifted.
Baker said emergency food boxes will still be available seven days a week, while the diaper pantry, organized by Christ Child Society, will move from Friday to Thursday mornings.
The regular hours for Manna's food pantry curbside service will not be affected.
“At this time, what we need most is additional financial support to help see us through the COVID-19 crisis. We don’t know how long it will last, but we do know that the need for food assistance is rising rapidly.”
All of the latest coronavirus news in Michigan and around the world is available on our coronavirus page.
