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Manna meals program warns council of $20,000 shortfall after federal cuts
Summary
Manna volunteers told the Gadsden City Council that cuts to federal and community development block grant funding have removed about $20,000 from their annual budget; the program delivers more than 100 meals daily and may seek help from the city.
Craig Scott, director of the Gadsden Public Library and a board member for Manna, told the Gadsden City Council that the volunteer-run meal program faces a roughly $20,000 shortfall after recent funding cuts.
Scott said Manna served 121 meals the morning of the meeting; about 75% of meals stay in Gadsden and 25% go to other Etowah County communities. He told council members the program’s annual food payment to Riverview Hospital is $122,000.
Scott and volunteer treasurer Harrison Martin described the client mix and volunteer effort: "We've got 60 clients that are free due to income, and 10 are partial pay, and then 50 are full pay," Scott said. Martin, who volunteers and delivers a route, said delivering meals "is usually the highlight of the resident's day" and that for some clients the visit provides the only daily person‑to‑person contact.
Scott said the program expects a loss of $13,000 from the community development block grant program and $7,000 from a federal Emergency Food and Shelter grant, totaling about $20,000. He told the council the organization is not asking for funds immediately but "may need your help in the future" and that the group will pursue fundraisers, including Manna Sunday before Thanksgiving and a Riverview Hospital golf outing on Oct. 3.
Mayor Ray Ford and council members thanked Manna volunteers and noted the program provides both food and wellness checks for homebound residents. The council was asked to keep Manna in mind as budget and volunteer opportunities arise.
