‘Any help that can fill in the gaps helps me make it through the month’: Manna on Meridian offers food assistance, support to those in need

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - During the economic crisis in 2008, a local food pantry located at the Community Outreach Center across from Faith Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee was developed by Faith Presbyterian and St. Stephen Lutheran Church as a way to come together and offer much-needed food assistance.

Manna on Meridian has since grown into a large food distribution center that is heavily relied on by its clients. It isn’t only a place where people get food, it’s a family, and a support system where one feels seen, cared-for and appreciated for exactly who they are. Shellie Camp is the non-profit’s Lead Coordinator.

“Manna on Meridian is a reference to manna from heaven, and that’s exactly how things come together for us.”

Through the tireless work of volunteers like Shellie Camp, in 2024, the food pantry served almost 6,000 households through their monthly Saturday drive-through pickups and Sunday in-store shopping.

As the need continues to grow, Manna on Meridian is a beacon of hope. More families, seniors, students and people from all walks of life are dealing with an increase in food insecurity in our community. Anton has been coming to Manna to Meridian for years.

Karen Brown is a volunteer at the food pantry. She first came into contact with Manna on Meridian when her neighbor was struggling. Her mission was to get him food. Little did she know that a year later, she, herself, would be working at Manna as a volunteer. Karen explains why she chose to help.

“What kept us coming back to Manna is they really give you this sense of infinite worth. They really make you feel good walking in the door.”

Manna on Meridian partners with five local churches, which pull together their finances, time and talents to support the organization. They also partner with other food pantries like Second Harvest. Manna’s drive-through distribution is the third Saturday of every month from 8 - 9:30 a.m. and there’s a weekly walk-up-choice pantry on Sunday from 12-1 p.m.

Shellie Camp was a volunteer at the food pantry before coming on board as one of the lead coordinators. She calls her work there a labor of love.

In a community where many say they have no idea where their next meal is coming from, Manna on Meridian is a literal life-saver. One that, Camp says, would put the economic boost the grant money would provide to good and immediate use.

“We don’t want to turn anybody away, and so having access to the funds would allow us to gain additional infrastructure like freezers.”

A food pantry giving out what Shellie Camp calls provisions from God. Truly Manna from Heaven, nourishing both the body and soul.

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