MANNA has been granted an extra six months to serve food to the needy in Weld Square.
City of Vincent this week waived a $4320 fee so the organisation could use the park, and deputy mayor Susan Gontaszewski’s motion to extend the permit from six months to 12 months gained support form councillors.
Manna will no longer serve on Sundays, reducing its service form six days a week to five, due to financial constraints.
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READ NOWCo-founder Beverley Lowe said increased operation costs forced them to scrap Sunday service after more than 20 years.
“It costs us more than $2000 every time we open the kitchen with insurance, power, food, petrol; it all costs money and we rely on donations,” she said.
She said the decision was not made lightly.
Residents and business owners in the past had reported anti-social behaviour and urged Manna to relocate.
The serving hours were changed to combat complaints, settling on a lunch service form 1.30pm to 2.30pm each day.
Councillor Roslyn Harley noted at the council meeting the move had “a positive affect”.
Mann has set up a crowd funding page for donations and has so far raised more than $1200.
Go to https://www.gofundme.com/manna-needs-your-help.
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