College Station, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The First United Methodist Church in College Station is hosting the monthly Manna Market to provide essential food supplies to residents facing food insecurity. Scheduled for Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the event emphasizes community care as Pastor Kefentse Risher welcomes all in need. With rising food prices affecting over 70,000 residents, this initiative seeks to uplift those in difficult circumstances, making assistance accessible with groceries delivered directly to participants’ vehicles.
College Station is set to witness its monthly “Manna Market” organized by the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) to directly address food insecurity within the local community. This charitable initiative will occur on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., providing essential food supplies to residents in need. The event, which was previously called the grocery giveaway, aims to uplift community members facing difficult circumstances as a result of rising food prices and other economic factors.
Pastor Kefentse Risher has highlighted the importance of this event in celebrating God’s provision while also collaborating with local partners to make a positive impact. Even those who might not have participated in similar events previously are welcome; individuals simply need to fill out a brief form to receive grocery items. To streamline the process and ensure comfort, participants will have groceries placed directly in their vehicles.
As a response to the Texas A&M home football game schedule, the church has adjusted its usual giveaway timing, which typically takes place on the first Saturday of every month. Volunteers are encouraged to assist with the event, with an ask for them to arrive by 10 a.m. FUMC is located at 1125 Wellborn Road in College Station, making it accessible for many community members.
Currently, over 70,000 residents in the Brazos Valley are facing food insecurity, a situation worsened by escalating food prices attributed to drought conditions affecting agricultural production and tariffs. Copper economist David Anderson indicates that while tariffs impact prices, they are not the only culprit, noting that other costs play a significant role.
The 12th Can, Texas A&M’s student-led food pantry, exemplifies the rising need for food assistance, having seen its clientele grow from 2,577 to 3,270 households in recent years. The pantry operates a client-choice model providing nutritious food, hygiene products, and toiletries, addressing the needs of a diverse group of individuals, including college students who are also affected by food insecurity.
Each year, an allocation of $1.1 million is designated to the Division of Student Affairs to help combat food insecurity at Texas A&M, with $125,000 specifically set aside for the 12th Can. The Brazos Valley Food Bank, serving a six-county area, distributes approximately 5.5 million pounds of food annually to assist local families. This initiative aims to minimize the difficult choices families face between purchasing groceries and paying essential bills such as rent or medical costs.
The food bank has rolled out various programs targeting food insecurity for different demographic groups, such as children, seniors, and families, through school-based and mobile food pantries and targeted delivery initiatives. Similarly, The Bridge Ministries Food Pantry has reported a rise in new clients, distributing 135 to 150 meal packages weekly. Plans to enhance community awareness and collaboration are underway to reach a broader audience of families in need.
Overall, food insecurity is a pressing issue impacting various segments of the community. Various outreach efforts aim to raise awareness about available resources, inviting individuals facing food insecurity to seek help. It is emphasized that assistance is accessible and comes with a commitment to non-judgmental support. Additionally, the KBTX Food for Families Food Drive aims to collect non-perishable food items and financial contributions, emphasizing that every dollar donated can provide two meals for those in need.
FAQ
What is the Manna Market event?
The Manna Market is a monthly event hosted by the First United Methodist Church to provide groceries to community members facing food insecurity.
When is the Manna Market happening?
The Manna Market will take place on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
How can someone receive assistance at the Manna Market?
Individuals in need simply need to fill out a brief form at the event to receive groceries, which will be placed in their cars for convenience.
Where is the First United Methodist Church located?
The First United Methodist Church is located at 1125 Wellborn Road in College Station.
Chart: Key Features of Manna Market
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Manna Market |
| Date | First Saturday of every month, adjusted for football games |
| Time | 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. |
| Location | 3125 Wellborn Road, College Station |
| Assistance Process | Complete brief form for groceries |
| Volunteers Needed | Arrive by 10 a.m. on Saturday |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KBTX: First United Methodist Church hosting Manna Market Saturday in College Station
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- BioMed Central: Research Article on Allergies
- Google Search: Food Assistance Programs
- Morning Ag Clips: Texas A&M AgriLife Celebrates The Borlaug Legacy
- Google Scholar: Food Bank Initiatives
- KBTX: 6th Annual KBTX Summer Hunger Food Drive Begins Monday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Drives
- KBTX: How ‘Food for Families’ Food Drive Supports Vital Food Bank Programs in Brazos Valley
- Google News: Food Security News
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
