About us…
MISSION: To meet the needs, provide resources, facilities, and support generally for the community of Whitianga and its surrounding district.
OUR STORY…
The Monday Community Meals started in 2013 at St Andrews Church Hall in Whitianga.
Mary Peterson was minister of St Andrew Community Church at the time and it was her vision that she shared with others that enabled the meals to start. Mary’s vision was that people of Whitianga would have open access for a nourishing healthy meal and a place to come and have a chat with others.
St Andrews looked after the day to day running of the meals until March 2018 when The Mercury Bay Community Support Trust took over. The dine in option halted with covid, but the takeaway meals remain each week. 2022 saw a rebranding to Manawa Kai Heartfood Kitchen.
Many people both young and old have worked, volunteered, or participated with Manawa Kai Community Meals from growing, buying, preparing, cooking, serving, delivering, cleaning, entertaining and of course enjoying the food. We thank God and ask His continued blessing for each and every one alike.
Each week at St Andrews Kitchen up to 200 tasty, homely nutritious meals are prepared by our Cook using local quality meats, foodstuffs, and fresh vegetables.
A yummy Manawa Kai Meal is free to anyone in our community who has need, by sending us your order. Simply hit ‘Request a Meal’ and let us know “How many for dinner on Monday?”. If you have not signed up, we will happily help you fill in the form when you first come to get your meal/s on Monday’s (Tuesday in the event of Monday being a public Holiday) at St Andrews between 3.00pm and 5.00pm.
We have some great Social Agencies helping folk in our Community. We welcome your individual or family referrals with agreement of recipients. Just pop your details in Additional Note/s. Thank you.
We cater to all ages and race regardless of circumstances or financial ability, aiming to care for each person for who they are.
MEDIA