Manna basically collects and distributes community food donations to local people who need help, right?
Sounds simple, but it isn't easy.
We have a team of wonderful volunteers and an exceptionally generous community that donates an estimated one million dollars worth of food each year to Manna for distribution within the Conejo Valley.
Our incredibly resourceful director runs a highly efficient operation. But since the cost of just about everything goes up every year, Manna's need for financial support goes up every year too. Here's why.
From time to time, Manna purchases food such as rice and beans, and bulk staple items from Ventura County’s regional food bank. We also purchase fresh chicken and ground beef from other sources.
And then we need to pay the cost of maintaining our facility, utilities, truck maintenance, gas and insurance, various services such as accounting, storage rental, and staff related expenses.
For 43 years the good people of the Conejo Valley have been beyond generous in supporting Manna. We expect that generosity will continue as we look forward into 2014.
Where will it come from?
While 36% of our financial support comes from foundations, corporations, and city government, a whopping 64% of Manna’s cash donations come from individuals. Individual donations typically fall into a range from $25.00 to $5,000.00. Sometimes less, sometimes more, but all of them are greatly appreciated by the entire Manna family.
Even more exciting is that 95% of the food Manna distributes each week comes directly from the community through individually donated items and organized food drives. The continual influx of food is what stocks our pantry and gives our clients a wide variety of items to chose from.
Where will it go?
100% of financial donations to Manna are dedicated to supporting the collection, storage, and distribution of food in the Conejo Valley. We hope our donors see their financial contribution as a direct investment in the common good of our local community.
Food donors should also note that
what is donated from the Conejo Valley stays in the Conejo Valley to help local families in their time of need.
Thank you to those who have already given and those who will remember
Manna next time they have a little extra to give to neighbors in need.
