It takes 805 lbs of pancake mix, 874 lbs of meat (bacon, sausage, ham) 65 gallons of syrup, and 115 pounds of coffee to serve a pancake breakfast every Saturday morning since April 4, to hundreds of people at the Rescue Mission. The diners include recipients of Manna Mission Ministries, volunteers, and guests of the Rescue Mission’s family shelter.
To cover the cost, SunTrust Foundation has awarded the Rescue Mission an $8,000 grant.
“This grant is about much more than simply providing a meal,” says Rescue Mission CEO Joy Sylvester-Johnson. “The pancake breakfast is strengthening community ties as our neighbors outside of the Mission, our volunteers, and our guests meet around the table and share a weekly meal together.”
In addition, later this month SunTrust will begin hosting a 45-minute class each Saturday morning to teach basic skills in managing personal finances.
“Part of the Mission’s goal is to not only help those who are homeless, but to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place,” says Sylvester-Johnson. “The grant from SunTrust Foundation and the financial education program is a way to do this, and we’re pleased to have SunTrust partner with us.”
Besides helping those teetering on the brink of homelessness remain in their homes, the Mission’s aim with Manna is to supplement nutritional needs. Each week, Manna provides a grocery box full of food staples, including fresh produce and meats, to low-income, food-insecure families, who come one Saturday a month to pick up a box. Those with pets are provided dog and cat food as well. In addition, families receive vouchers to shop for free clothing at the Mission’s THRIFT 460 Store. The program serves about 1500 families in the Roanoke Valley.
