Grab a plate...
There are few things in life more comforting than sharing a meal with others or having something warm and delicious provided with a smile. At Manna Gum we have all kinds of ways to enjoy this most basic of human needs.
With so many ways to provide food we find that very little is wasted - leftovers go to the youth group for dinner, a box of oranges is transformed into marmalade to be sold in the Community Café and the rest onto the Produce Swap Trolley outside, and donated plums are made into sorbet that gets used at the community lunch. It's a diverse and slightly random system that integrates itself quite readily, with everyone working together with a common aim: eat well, reduce food waste and share it around.
Bass Coast South Gippsland Food Alliance
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We are proud partners of the Bass Coast - South Gippsland Food System Alliance. The Alliance has been awarded a significant VicHealth Local Partnerships for Food First grant of over $750,000, spanning over three years (2025-2028)!
Putting Food First reimagines how we value, connect with and access food. Food is more than what we eat, it connects us to culture, to country, and to each other. It’s the foundation of good health, strong communities, and a thriving environment.
Community Lunch
Every third Wednesday of the month our main hall is transformed into a series of tables beautifully laid with tablecloths and flowers ready for our Community Kitchen and we welcome anyone who wants to sit down to a delicious meal.
Our guests can arrive early and help in the kitchen or simply enjoy a meal made by catering expert Juneen Schultz with the support of St Vincent de Paul.
THIRD WED OF THE MONTH 12 NOON
BOOKINGS ONLY REQUIRED FOR LARGE GROUPS
Community Food Pantry
Manna Gum provides a range of grocery items, household essential items and frozen meals.
CONTACT OFFICE STAFF 5682 1101
10-2.30 or by appointment
Community Café
The Community Cafe welcomes many locals each week to enjoy a hot drink (we have the coffee machine to match) and a complimentary slice of something sweet. There's also toasties, crepes and soups for lunch depending on the time of year and who's on duty.
The volunteers who run this social enterprise café are dedicated and thoroughly friendly individuals, master jam makers and always ready for a chat.
For those with young children, it's a great space to meet up as there's an enclosed garden with a cubby and toys to keep them happy while you sit back with a drink and some company.
OPEN MONDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAY 10-1
Produce Swap Trolley
With a generous grant we were able to have the trolley constructed that gives 24hr access to the public, so you can drop past at any time to see what's there.
It's a bring-what-you-can, take-what-you-need kind of policy, and you're invited to leave a small donation when you grab some tomatoes or a few lemons etc if you can.
24 HOUR ACCESS
Manna Community Garden
Since 2000 the Manna Community Garden has been lovingly tended by a band of volunteers, initiated and guided by the queen of community gardens, Juneen Schulz. Perfectly situated behind MGCH, it's fertile beds are arranged around the magnificent heritage listed manna gum tree that stands so proudly on the grounds.
Members of the public can stroll through on its winding paths, but if you are wanting to learn a whole lot more about how to grow your own food, being a part of the group is an excellent way to learn and meet others who'll no doubt have plenty of advice to offer.
Volunteers work together and share the produce then all head over the to Community Cafe for a drink together.
MONDAYS 10-12
