Manna House
What Is It?
“It is the bread the Lord has given to eat.” (Exodus 16:15)
Manna House, established in May 1990, was the first soup kitchen in Harford County. We serve from 70 -120 people of all ages each week
The Beginnings of Manna House
From the SPIRE, May 1990:
In the article titled Administrative Board Action: Bob Varelli reported progress in acquiring an upright freezer from Lutz’s and a braising pan for use in connection with Manna House (soup kitchen). Notices are being distributed through various agencies and May 9th is the target date for opening. A grant of $6,000 has been received from the Bonner Foundation for use on this project.
A copy of the letter dated April 17, 1990 was included. The letter was addressed to Rev. Charles W. Lightner, Senior Minister, Bel Air United Methodist Church, from Wayne Meisel, the Executive Director of the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, Inc. in Princeton, New Jersey, and read as follows:
On behalf of the Trustees of the Bonner Foundation, I am pleased to inform you that we have awarded Bel Air United Methodist Church a grant in the sum of $6,000. Bel Air United Methodist Church was selected from a large number of applicants because you have demonstrated a commitment and an ability to serve those who are in need. We hope this grant will help you in your efforts and challenge your congregation as well as other local churches to reach out to those in need.
Also in this issue of the newsletter were photographs from the United Methodist Men Breakfast held on Saturday, April 7, 1990. Mrs. Hannah Nydam was the speaker, and she explained about our church’s “Soup Kitchen Pilot Program” for Harford County’s needy.
From the SPIRE, June 1991:
Just over a year later, the SPIRE had this announcement in the Sundries column: Dave and Hannah Nydam are moving upon Dave’s retirement from the post of Commanding General, Edgewood Arsenal, to Utah! Doggone, how we’ll hate to lose this terrific couple who’ve added so much to the life of our congregation. Dave has been a faithful 8:30 usher, and Hannah has been Chairperson of Missions and Congregational Care during her stint here. Moreover, she was the first cook to volunteer to prepare meals for our MANNA HOUSE.
What Do We Do?
On Wednesdays, our doors to Manna House are open at 11:00 am. Meals served from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Who Do We Serve?
Our guests may be unemployed, lower income families, senior citizens, those without homes, and anyone needing assistance with food as well as those who are lonely and just need a place to feel ‘at home.’
How Can You Help?
Manna House Soup Kitchen always needs non-perishable food for grocery bags:
- Canned Vegetables and Fruits
- Canned Meats (tuna, SPAM, stews, and similar items)
- Cereal
- Soups
Our homeless guests especially enjoy single-serving, ready to eat foods in E-Z open or pop-top containers as they do not have access to can openers or cooking facilities.
For more information or to help, please contact: Food.Services@baumc(dot)com
