Voices of VU PHL: Jody McIntosh, MANNA
The VU Crew packaged over 1,000 pies at our November event at MANNA!
Happy Thanksgiving, VU Crew! As we prepare to fill up on turkey, mashed potatoes and pie, we wanted to take the opportunity to highlight one of our nonprofit partners that truly recognizes the power of food and nutrition in helping the Philadelphia community. Earlier this month, we partnered with MANNA, a nonprofit that helps create nutritious meals for those in need. At the event, we packaged over 1,000 pies, made breakfast sandwiches, black bean burgers, and prepped all the food for the kitchen staff for the following week.
The VU Crew absolutely loved volunteering at MANNA and we are proud to have partnered with this inspiring nonprofit for the past few years. Check out our Q&A with Jody McIntosh, Manager of Volunteers and Community Engagement, to learn more:
Tell us about MANNA. MANNA uses nutrition to improve health for people with serious illnesses who need nourishment to heal. By providing medically tailored meals and nutrition education, we empower people to improve their health and quality of life.
Who do you aim to serve in the Philadelphia area? We believe in neighbors nourishing neighbors. Our clients are neighbors, friends, parents, sisters, cousins, friends, co-workers who are living with serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, renal disease and more.
How did you become involved in MANNA? I saw the MANNA trucks around the city and when it was time to apply for a new job, they were top of mind. I was excited to join an organization that excels in leveraging the power of volunteerism.
What is your favorite part about working at MANNA? I love working with our diverse volunteer force. Our volunteer team, chefs, and distribution team go from working with high school teens working on community service hours in one moment, to working with neuro-diverse volunteers, to a c-level executive from a top accounting firm. There is an amazing sense of satisfaction from watching so many different people come together to do great work for their community.
What advice do you have for young Philadelphians looking to get more involved in volunteering? Just do it! Many people find out about us from simply doing a Google search for volunteer opportunities in the city. Once you start, you’ll want to keep going. The relationships you make with the volunteer organizations and other volunteers will be irreplaceable.