More Than Mana describes mobile feeding outreach serving people experiencing homelessness

Candy Welcome, founder and CEO of More Than Mana, told the Casclay Food Partners commission that her small, faith‑based nonprofit operates a mobile feeding program aimed at people experiencing homelessness and other life challenges. "Food is just not fuel. It is a tool for health, stability, and better decision‑making," she said, describing meals designed for balanced nutrition and prepared in a health‑department‑licensed kitchen at Faith Journey Church in West Fargo.

Welcome said the group distributes hot meals every other weekend and averages 65 to 75 meals per outreach run. She said the program is currently operating under a fiscal sponsorship with Relevant Life Church while More Than Mana awaits 501(c)(3) status. The organization was gifted a van by Fix It Forward Ministry that enables weekday and weekend outreach downtown; staff and volunteers focus distributions near the library during winter months when people congregate there.

Commission members asked about sourcing and referrals. Welcome said meals are prepared at the licensed kitchen and that volunteers provide referrals to other services when they know appropriate resources. "We are out there trying to hook them up not only with food as the next steps," she said, adding the program emphasizes relational outreach and nutrition that supports both physical and mental health.

The presentation drew praise from members who noted the program fills a gap in weekend services and commended Welcome for preparing nutritionally balanced meals. No formal action was taken on the More Than Mana presentation; members requested the presenter’s slides and contact information be shared in follow‑up minutes.