Cafe Manna

Café Manna is our community outreach program that began in December of 2001. Every Thursday evening (except Thanksgiving and Holy Thursday) with the help of many volunteers, a hot nourishing meal is served to as many as 300 guests. Anyone is welcome to attend whether they are physically hungry, in need of companionship or trying to stretch their food budget.

How is it funded?

Café Manna has been fortunate to be financially self-sufficient since its inception. God has blest us with the generosity and support of this faith community, surrounding churches both Catholic and non-Catholic, and the greater Valparaiso community. We are always most grateful to those who wish to make monetary contributions or donations of food to make sure that this outreach ministry continues to succeed.

How can YOU help?

Each week we have teams of volunteers who help prepare the meal,  bring a salad or dessert.  Ideally each salad or dessert should feed 15 to 20 people.  
We also need people later in the evening for about an hour to help with clean-up, from 6:15-7:15pm.  In the summer, when the VU students are away, we always need people to come, serve and visit with guests, as well as the usual clean-up tasks. During the summer is when we need volunteers to fill in for those VU students.  Volunteers arrive at 4:00pm and stay until about 7:00pm.
 

How can Valpo students get involved?

On any given Thursday during the school year you might find 10-20 students doing ministry at Café Manna. We also have 2 students who co-ordinate all the volunteers and assign tasks to them. Just ask one of the college students who spends a couple of hours here on Thursday afternoons and see what they have to tell you. Believe me, the rewards that volunteers receive may not be tangible but they sure do warm your heart. If you are a Valparaiso University student and would like to volunteer for Cafe Manna, please email cafe.manna@valpo.edu for information.