Letter: Manna Food Pantry makes a difference

• Manna volunteers

File Photo: Volunteers (from left) Rosemary Heideman, Shirley Olson, Jenny Jones and Arnold Sexe stock shelves at the Manna Food Pantry in Worthington.

Talk about it

Do the people of Worthington and Nobles County know what is really taking place in our community as a result of this economy? We see spending as usual with most of our governmental bodies. Do we hear much about unemployment and the higher cost of raising a family? Manna Food Pantry is dealing with a crisis situation. The cost of keeping up with the demand is far outweighing the incoming revenue.

We have some wonderful contributors who support us financially and we thank them very much. We also have local businesses and individuals that contribute a lot of food. We have volunteers who are faithful and willing to give of their time. The demand in the past year has almost doubled and we cannot keep up with it. We have a decision to make — do we make changes, or do we keep going as we have until revenue is gone and close the door?

If we should have to close our doors, you will definitely find out how the economy is affecting the area. Households in this town will find out very soon, as will the city government and utilities, when people pay for food instead of services. Some people say we are being taken advantage of, and yes, we may be in a few cases. We believe that is a small amount; that they have to answer to their own conscience.

We, as a board, feel we are a key function in this community and are very much needed. We are making a plea to all organizations, churches, business, individuals and governmental agencies to take a look and see what you can do. If you have questions, ask. If you are interested, come see the operation. Our coordinator, Gene Foth, has our total support and is commended for a great job of managing and shepherding our resources.

Manna Food Pantry Board (501c3 approved)

Le Roy J. Ennenga, Chairman

Lois L. Bruns, Vice Chairman

Bernice Camery, Secretary

Pat Kunze, Treasurer

Connie Johnson

Russ Rickers

Dennis Weeks

David Copperud

Vern Behrends

Tags: opinion, manna, food, worthington, letters