NORTHEAST TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) \u2014 A weekly food distribution in Northeast Tallahassee is helping families get through the weekend when traditional food assistance programs aren’t operating.<\/p>\n
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Manna on Meridian fills weekend food gap for Tallahassee families<\/p>\n
Manna on Meridian <\/a>holds its distribution every Sunday at Faith Presbyterian Church, currently from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.<\/p>\n Starting in September, the hours will shift to 11:00 a.m. until food runs out.<\/p>\n The latest data from the Florida Department of Health<\/a> shows 14.8% of people in Leon County were food insecure in 2023. <\/p>\n Manna on Meridian says 56% of the neighbors it serves are children and seniors. The organization helps more than 2,100 neighbors each month.<\/p>\n Jessica Jerrels first came to Manna on Meridian when she was pregnant, raising toddlers, and her family was struggling to keep groceries on the table.<\/p>\n “We run out of food very fast, and it kept us afloat,” Jerrels said.<\/p>\n After receiving help from the organization, Jerrels began volunteering every Sunday to help other families.<\/p>\n “Through that, I just started volunteering because they helped me so much, and I wanted to help give back,” Jerrels said.<\/p>\n The food comes through community donations and partnerships with local grocery stores and Second Harvest of the Big Bend.<\/a><\/p>\n Organizer Suzanne Rita Byrnes says the mission goes beyond food distribution.<\/p>\n “We also try and build a sense of community because, at least to me, that’s a really, really important thing. So it’s nice to see the same people come over, and you know, some of them require hugs, and that’s great. I will give them their hugs,” Byrnes said.<\/p>\n This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n