A special needs food program whose purpose is to assist in meeting the special nutritional needs of people living with AIDS and other life threatening illnesses. Manna for Health is an outreach project of Safe Harbour Metropolitan Community Church. Founded in 1996

Reaching Out to Offer Support

In 1996 in answer to the growing need amongst individuals with HIV/AIDS for food assistance, a group of people from Safe Harbour-Metropolitan Community Church explored the possibility of setting up a Food Bank at the Nova Scotia Aids Coalition.

Recognizing the special circumstances of people living with AIDS we identified several areas of significant need that had to be addressed. First, those who are on social assistance, experience inadequate living allowances that makes getting healthy or special foods most difficult.

Secondly, current access to Halifax area Food Banks, which are under immense pressure, can also pose a difficult problem for people living with AIDS. If the person were not well, queuing in lineups (especially during times of bad weather) could be both difficult and unwise. Also identifying themselves (for those visibly ill a potentially traumatic experience) remains a big concern when clients have no idea who has access to records or how the records are handled. Some fear possible verbal abuse by other clients in line resulting from either perceived health status or perceived sexual orientation (this has been reported). The biggest problem, however, is that existing Food Bank programs simply cannot address the special needs of people who are unwell.

How is Manna Different?

Manna for Health addresses these concerns in several ways. First, and foremost, the service is available only by referral. This ensures that only the most in need can access the service, and also that the service does not get overwhelmed to the point where it cannot properly service its clients. Clients of the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia are accepted, and other agencies in the HIV/AIDS community are also able to refer clients to this service. Clients will also be referred though the Safe Harbour MCC emergency aid program.

Access to the Manna for Health services is by appointment only, so there will be no lineups, and no interaction with other clients of the service. If a client is unwell or unable to come to the office, a delivery service will deliver the food to the client's home. The food provided will be as nutritious as possible, and will include as needed such specialized products as Boost.

Client confidentiality is a paramount concern of Manna for Health and every effort is taken to ensure that client information is secure.

Manna a Member Agency of Feed Nova Scotia

Manna for Health has been granted member agency status with Feed Nova Scotia. The support of Feed Nova Scotia is of enormous value in making this project successful. The bulk of our food supplies are made available through Feed Nova Scotia and Manna supplements these resources as needed.

Feed Nova Scotia operates on public donations of food, which are distributed to people in need. The agency also advocates and educates the public and government to eliminate hunger and poverty. In addition it runs several programs and offers a number of services which directly address the needs of those who are hungry within our city and throughout our province.

Visit the site of Feed Nova Scotia for more information.

You Can Help!

Manna for Health is a volunteer agency. Through the generous commitment of a number of people we are able to serve our clientele. People offer their services to staff our office, stock food, prepare grocery orders and deliver orders in the metro area. A number of people also work on fundraising ventures to supplement our resources and pay for our operational expenses.

In order to ensure that our services continue to be offered to our community we need more volunteers.

To those willing to work within the project and those who are willing to work on fundraising or food-raising activities from outside the service your participation as a volunteer would be most welcomed.

If you are interested in supporting this ministry financially or would like to volunteer, you may do so by contacting Manna for Health at (902) 429-7670.

We are located at:

2786 Agricola St.
Bloomfield Center
Halifax, NS

Telephone:(902) 429-7670

Our Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 31108
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 5T9

E-mail : admin@safeharbourmcc.com

Donations Accepted!