MUMC receives grant for keeping Blessing Box stocked

The Blessing Box contains free pantry-safe food, accessible 24 hours a day behind the Manchester United Methodist Church. Photo credit: Fritz Swanson.

submitted by Pastor Susan, Manchester United Methodist Church

If you walk behind Manchester United Methodist Church (MUMC) located at 501 Ann Arbor St, near the back doors you will find a pantry-style Blessing Box that quietly serves the community every day. This cupboard plays an important role by offering free food at any time, day or night. For some, it is a reliable place to find what is needed in the moment.

This year, the MUMC was grateful to receive a $2,000 Feeding Our Neighbors Grant through the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries to support this Blessing Box. This national program was created to support local churches that are addressing hunger in their communities. In this funding cycle, only 50 grants were awarded nationwide. Due to the high number of applications from churches and food ministries across the country, the application process closed early. Manchester United Methodist Church was honored to be selected as one of the grant recipients.

The MUMC Outreach Committee, which regularly stocks and maintains the Blessing Box, is excited to begin shopping now that the grant funds have arrived. Since the box is located outdoors, all of the items purchased have to be temperature-stable, especially during the winter months in Michigan. The grant funds will help ensure the box remains well stocked with items, including those that meet the needs of both children and seniors.

The MUMC is located next to Klager Elementary School and the Manchester Community Schools Sports Complex; therefore, children walk by the church every day. For this reason, the box is stocked with single-serving, ready-to-eat items that do not require cooking. These foods are easy for children to open and eat safely. Also, due to the church’s connection with the senior citizens of the community, they purchase food that supports senior nutrition, including higher-protein items and supplement drinks that can be costly but helpful for maintaining senior health. 

The MUMC is grateful for the grant support and for the congregation and community members who continue to donate food and help keep the box stocked. The church appreciates the opportunity to care for Manchester neighbors in practical and consistent ways—by feeding them.

A list of resources posted on the Manchester United Methodist Church’s Blessing Box. Photo credit: Fritz Swanson.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.