On April 17, 2023, Andrews University launched Manna, a service for students facing food insecurity. After his two years of planning and development by students and faculty, the grand opening took place in front of Room 312, the lobby of University Towers, home to the new food pantry. The event was led by Dean Christina Hunter and students Mary Tynes, Amar Sadhakar, Brian Parker and Nehemiah Sittler, among other key participants, all of whom contributed to the founding of Manna .
The service provides preserved food, hygiene products and meals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6-8pm. After a brief registration process, a student is allowed up to 5 items and his 1 meal. A student can receive up to 1 serving per day and 5 preserved meals per week.
Meals are provided by the Andrews University Dining Service, operated by the Bon Appétit Management Company. Linda Bringer, General Manager of Bon Appétit, said: They said they would donate up to $5,000 to make the program work well and safely. Bryinger continues, holding a green Tupperware container with prepackaged meals inside. I now have $5,000 worth of stuff in my basement. So my team enlists the help of a great volunteer who will pack 50 of these on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It took me 45 minutes, but the more I do it the better. ”
Donations of nonperishable food and hygiene items can be made by dropping off at the front desk of University Towers or by visiting Give Online and selecting Student Life Emergency Fund from the drop down menu.