Grab a plate...

There are few things in life more comforting than sharing a meal with others or having something warm and delicious provided with a smile. At Manna Gum we have all kinds of ways to enjoy this most basic of human needs.

With so many ways to provide food we find that very little is wasted - leftovers go to the youth group for dinner, a box of oranges is transformed into marmalade to be sold in the Community Café and the rest onto the Produce Swap Trolley outside, and donated plums are made into sorbet that gets used at the community lunch. It's a diverse and slightly random system that integrates itself quite readily, with everyone working together with a common aim: eat well, reduce food waste and share it around.

Community Kitchen Lunch

Every third Wednesday of the month our main hall is transformed into a series of tables beautifully laid with tablecloths and flowers ready for our Community Kitchen and we welcome anyone who wants to sit down to a delicious meal.

Our guests can arrive early and help in the kitchen or simply enjoy a meal made by catering expert Juneen Schultz with the support of St Vincent de Paul.

THIRD WED OF THE MONTH 12 NOON

BOOKINGS ONLY REQUIRED FOR LARGE GROUPS

Financial Wellbeing and Capability Program

Manna Gum provides Emergency Relief and referrals as an outreach service of the Salvation Army. Food, petrol and pharmacy vouchers are available as well as a range of grocery items and frozen meals.

CONTACT OFFICE STAFF 5682 1101

TUESDAYS 10-3 or by appointment

Project GreenPlot

Started in 2020 with just a few boxes sent out, the Project GreenPlot volunteer packers now set up around 15-20 boxes full of fresh goodness each fortnight. The produce is grown by local domestic gardeners who put aside a small plot to contribute a little of what they have: a handful of parsley, a box of pears from an overburdened tree or some eggs when the chooks are laying well.

The 'Plotters' grow seasonal food which adds flavour and variety - we don't have tomatoes all year 'round and that's as it should be. One mother said her children help to unpack the box each fortnight, excited to see if there's something new this time.

JOIN AS A PLOTTER

Community Café

This area of Manna Gum received a complete makeover during the COVID pandemic and it now welcomes many locals each week to enjoy a hot drink (we have the coffee machine to match) and a complimentary slice of something sweet. There's also toasties, crepes and soups depending on the time of year and who's on duty.

The volunteers who run this social enterprise café are dedicated and thoroughly friendly individuals, master jam makers and always ready for a chat.

For those with young children, it's a great space to meet up as there's an enclosed garden with a cubby and toys to keep them happy while you sit back with a drink and some company.

OPEN MONDAY 10-2 & TUESDAY 10-2

Produce Swap Trolley

With a generous grant we were able to have the trolley constructed that gives 24hr access to the public, so you can drop past at any time to see what's there.

It's a bring-what-you-can, take-what-you-need kind of policy, and you're invited to leave a small donation when you grab some tomatoes or a few lemons etc if you can.

There are also seed packets (just $1) with locally grown, fresh seed to help you get your own vegetable/herb garden started at home. Sales of seed help us to top up the boxes sent out via Project GreenPlot each fortnight and to cover other operational expenses, making this simple idea self sustaining (with help from our wonderful volunteers).

24 HOUR ACCESS

Manna Community Garden

Since 2000 the Manna Community Garden has been lovingly tended by a band of volunteers, initiated and guided by the queen of community gardens, Juneen Schulz. Perfectly situated behind MGCH, it's fertile beds are arranged around the magnificent heritage listed manna gum tree that stands so proudly on the grounds.

Members of the public can stroll through on its winding paths, but if you are wanting to learn a whole lot more about how to grow your own food, being a part of the group is an excellent way to learn and meet others who'll no doubt have plenty of advice to offer.

Volunteers work together and share the produce then all head over the to Community Cafe for a drink together.

MONDAYS 10-2