Each week for the last several years, we have highlighted a “lifestyle” aspect of life in La Plata County. This week, our focus is one of huge importance, especially in these times. Since 1985, locals have worked together to provide meals for those in need at The Manna Soup Kitchen.
“The mission of Manna is to provide, in the spirit of faith and love, nourishing meals and supportive services in an atmosphere of acceptance and caring for those in need.” The program has expanded to include additional services such as a culinary program which promotes job training and placement. There is also the Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals for Durango School District 9-R students and kids from the Southern Ute Boys and Girls Club. Currently Manna Soup Kitchen provides 60,000 meals per year.
During the Coronavirus time, Manna Soup Kitchen is serving meals to go for our community. In this time of need, we see even more the value of this organization. We so appreciate our local community and everyone who contributes to this organization to ensure our community is fed. Their website lists their changes in times and processes (see below). As many things change quickly, be sure to contact them if you have questions. The support and community of Durango is one of the many reasons we are proud to live and work here!
To our Durango community,
Since March 18th, Manna has been taking preventative measures to help our community stay healthy during the COVID-19 crisis. Our dining room is currently closed and will remain so until further notice. Below lists Manna’s current services that we are offering to the community.
- Manna continues to serve meals seven days a week, distributing sack lunches and hot to-go meals every day from 9 – 11 a.m. at the back entrance of our Soup Kitchen in a grab-and-go style. Anyone in need is welcomed to come pick up meals for themselves, their families, neighbors, and/or other community members. We are not limiting the number of meals that an individual can take at this time.
- Manna has partnered with Southwest Rides, Neighbors in Need Alliance, and Durango Vineyard Church to drop off 30 – 40 sack lunches/hot meals (containing two main entrees per bag) seven days a week to the Purple Cliffs Camp, once a day.
- Manna continues to partner with Durango 9-R School District and Southern Ute Boys and Girls Club during school closures from COVID-19 to provide backpacks full of food every week. Manna’s backpacks include 11 food items to make seven meals for an individual student. Both organizations will be distributing the backpacks to children/families in need.
- Manna is partnering with local organizations (The Good Food Collective, La Plata Family Centers Coalition, San Juan Basin Public Health, Durango Community Shelter, Southwest Safehouse, etc.) to distribute food, food boxes, and meals to those in need.
Other services may not be available at this time. Please contact us at 970-385-5095 ext. 3 or at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Post courtesy of The Durango Team.
