Food 4 Kids ministry
Food 4 Kids Mission
For some school-age children who receive reduced/free lunches at school, the weekends can be a time of hungry bellies and food insecurity. To help students get through the weekends with the food they need, Manchester UMC has partnered with the Parkway and St. Louis Public School Districts to provide students with food bags filled with non-perishable food items every Friday.
How You Can Help
Whether it’s your time, financial support, or food donations—you can make a difference.
Donate items to food 4 kids
Donate Food
There is a year-round need for individually packaged, non-perishable items. Bulk packaging is especially appreciated.
Drop off your donations in the Missions Collection Bin near the church office.
| Items Needed | Examples |
|---|---|
| Meats & Stews | Canned chicken, beef stew, Dinty Moore Compleats, pop-top soup cans, Chef Boyardee cups |
| Breakfast Foods | Cereal cups, Nutrigrain bars, granola bars, microwavable oatmeal cups, protein bars |
| Rice & Pasta Sides | Macaroni and cheese cups, Ramen, microwavable rice cups |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Apple sauce cups, fruit cups, microwavable vegetable cups |
| Snacks | Individual packages of crackers and chips, fruit snacks, pudding cups |
Food donations can be dropped off at the Missions Collection Bin located near the church office.
💚 Donate Financially
Your generous gift helps us purchase food items in bulk, stretch every dollar, and meet urgent needs.
All donations are tax-deductible
100% goes toward purchasing food for students in need
Click the green Donate Now button below and please select Food 4 Kids from the drop-down menu.
Join the team that feeds kids and fuels hope.
Whether you’re available midweek or just once a month, there’s a role for everyone in the Food 4 Kids mission.
All volunteers must register in advance—walk-in participation is not permitted.
Prepare & Fill Food Bags (Wednesdays)
Filling and packing food bags takes place on Wednesdays at Manchester UMC. Volunteers help ensure each food bag is ready to go out by Thursday.
Two volunteer time slots are available each Wednesday:
3:45 – 5:15 p.m. – Begin with counting bags, then join in setup, packing, and clean-up. (2 slots available)
4:00 – 5:15 p.m. – Help with setup, packing, and clean-up. (2 slots available)
Volunteer Guidelines:
All ages and abilities welcome, including parents with young children.
For fairness and opportunity, volunteers are asked to limit participation to 2 packing or driving shifts per month.
All supplies are provided; just bring your helping hands and kind heart!
Deliver Food Bags (Thursdays)
Help deliver filled food bags to schools so students can take them home for the weekend.
Delivery Details:
Volunteers are needed each Thursday morning to deliver bags to:
Peabody Elementary (1 slot)
Carman Trails Elementary (1 slot)
Deliveries must be completed between 9a and Noon.
Timing may vary during school half-days or holiday weeks.
All volunteers must complete an Adult Consent and Release Form.
For questions or assistance, please email one of the Ministry Coordinators, Laurie Hopkins.
