Manji Pantry Turns Five! A Celebration of God’s Blessings

The 22nd November, 2019, is a milestone date for Manjimup—the day the very first Manji Food Pantry (now Manji Pantry) opened its doors. On that day, about 30 local community members and a dozen volunteers came together to experiment with an idea. Fast forward to 28 November, 2024, over 100 community members and volunteers gathered to celebrate the pantry’s 5th birthday with cake, specials, and plenty of joy!

The fifth year of the pantry has been an incredibly God-blessed one in many ways. The pantry now serves over 100 households each month, spanning a vast area of 3,500 square kilometers. Some community members travel as far as 150 kilometers to shop, not just for the prices but for the friendships they’ve built. It has become a hub of connection and care, where people come for food and leave with a sense of belonging.

One of the year’s biggest highlights was the arrival of a brand-new Toyota Hi-Ace van. This much-needed vehicle was made possible through a grant from the state government’s Forestry Transition Fund. Co-director and church elder Frank Slee dedicated countless hours to securing the grant, and his hard work has paid off in so many ways. The new van has reduced volunteer workloads, made transporting goods from Bunbury more efficient, and raised the profile of the Manjimup SDA Church within the community.

The Manji Pantry is staffed by dedicated volunteers from across the community but operates out of the Manjimup SDA Church campus. This has led the church to earn a reputation in town as “the church that cares for people.” The love and commitment shown by everyone involved have made this ministry a beacon of hope and compassion in the area.

As the pantry celebrates its 5th year, we look forward to many more years of service, connection, and blessings. Thank you, Lord, for your continued guidance and for touching lives through the Manji Pantry!