Manna House prepares for Annual Thanksgiving Meal

With Fr. Gerard Foley leading the way, Manna House officially opened its doors on Tuesday, May 1, 1990. Nineteen people came to eat this day, and by the end of the month 4,512 meals had been served.

What started as a simple answer to God’s calling to service has lived on, serving the poorest of our community for over 33 years.

Father Foley wrote a letter to his congregation in January, 1990:

“How often have you and I heard the words from scripture, ‘When I was Hungry, you gave me food, and when I was thirsty, you gave me drink,’ and wondered how we could adequately perform this work of mercy?

I believe the Lord is calling us as His people to look into the feasibility of establishing a place where hungry people can come, and with dignity, receive a meal to fill their empty stomachs and love to warm their weary hearts.

I have had moments of doubt and fear: maybe this is too big a thing for us to undertake; maybe there really aren’t that many hungry and lonely people in our community; there aren’t other organizations doing this, why am I getting involved? I don’t have enough time or money to contribute.

In those quiet, lonely moments the Lord says, ‘But who will do it if you don’t?’… and MY response has to be, ‘Here I am, Lord.’”

The work continues. Manna House is open 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day, serving 8,700 meals per month.

All of these years later, Manna House still continues to operate on the generosity of volunteers and local contributions to banish hunger in central Louisiana.

Fr. Foley’s vision still lives.

As Manna House’s annual Thanksgiving meal for the needy in our community is a way of not only feeding those who are hungry, but also to show kindness and support to those who are feeling the pain of poverty and misfortune. We are asking for your assistance to feed those in our community who might otherwise go hungry on Thanksgiving Day. Your gift will make a difference for those who need it most.

To make a tax-deductible donation online – givetomannahouse.com or scan our QR code:

Or by check mailed to:
Manna House
P.O. Box 6011
Alexandria, La. 71307

Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated and will make a difference in the lives of so many in our community. Thank you for your generous support!