The board of directors of the Manna Food Bank is appealing to the Bracebridge community to support its annual envelope campaign.

“As Manna launches its 2008 envelope campaign, the community’s continued support is much needed,” said Manna president Carolyn Horne. “Our motto is: feed the food bank — drive hunger away.”

Enclosed in the Feb. 15 edition of the Weekender will be a pre-addressed envelope to assist in making a donation to the Manna Food Bank. Donors can also send their cheques to Manna Food Bank, Box 462, Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1T8. Charitable donation receipts are provided for every contribution.

“Some send cheques almost immediately, while others tuck the envelopes away for later,” said Horne. “Donations tend to trickle in over the course of the year and we appreciate every one of them.”

Between 110 and 180 families in our community depend on the services of the food bank every month. Nearly half of the food bank’s clients are children. Almost a third is the working poor. They receive an average of about $10.50 worth of food per person per visit. Some clients only need one or two visits to get back on their feet, while others require ongoing assistance throughout the year.

“People are fabulous about donating non-perishable food items,” said Horne, but she added that two-thirds of the food Manna distributes must be purchased, so cash donations are also greatly appreciated. “Every cheque we receive makes a difference.”

New this year, Manna plans to begin offering its clients healthier and fresher food items, such as whole wheat pasta and crackers, brown rice, block cheese, sardines, bread and eggs. “Healthy food is a bit more expensive,” Horne admits, “but people down on their luck deserve the option to make better choices.”

The envelope campaign is made possible with the generous support of the Bracebridge Examiner and Bracebridge Printing. Horne also expressed thanks to the people of Bracebridge and surrounding communities for their ongoing generosity.

Open Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., the Manna Food Bank, located beneath the Lions Hall on Fraserburg Road in Bracebridge, provides groceries to members of our community who need help making ends meet. While no hungry person will be turned away, clients are encouraged to use the food bank no more than once a month.