In a city full of hidden gems, there is one that Houstonians can’t afford to sleep on any longer.
Tucked away near the corner of Ennis and Blodgett, and surrounded by neighborhoods that are the very definition of food deserts, Manna House Third Ward Food Pantry quietly but consistently meets a critical need.
A food desert is a geographic area where it is difficult to buy healthy, nutritious food at an affordable price. That difficulty may stem from limited access to grocery stores or from prices that make fresh food unaffordable. Manna House, located at 3118 1/2 Blodgett St., Houston, TX 77004, focuses its efforts on food-insecure households in the 77004 and 77021 zip codes, two areas that frequently rank among the Houston-area food deserts.
The need is significant. A recent study from Rice University’s Kinder Institute found that about two out of five households in Houston and Harris County are food-insecure — roughly 40%. On any given weekend, families often visit multiple food pantries, not out of greed, but out of need.
Despite this reality, Manna House remains under the radar, even as its volunteers and board members push for broader awareness and use of its services.
Meeting a great need
Although it is charged to serve the 77004 and 77021 zip codes, Manna House provides food to any Harris County resident in need.
The pantry operates through a partnership with the Houston Food Bank and is managed by four churches: Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church, St. Luke Episcopal Church, and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church.
“We serve at least 100 people on a weekly basis,” said Manna House volunteer and board member Jene Washington. “We’re open on Thursdays and Fridays, and the third Saturday of every month, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.”
Those numbers represent families, seniors, and individuals navigating rising food costs and limited access, as well as a community-based response grounded in cooperation and faith.
Answering a call to serve
For many at Manna House, volunteering is not just an act of charity, but a calling.
“My position is pantry manager, and I handle the day-to-day operations of this food pantry,” said Kathy Dale.
Dale began volunteering about four years ago, initially helping with clerical work after a board member asked her to assist. Eventually, Dale was approached about stepping into the role of pantry manager. She accepted.
“Jesus called us to feed his people, and this is an opportunity for me to answer that call and to obey that command to feed his people.
Kathy Dale
And I love it.”
“Jesus called us to feed his people, and this is an opportunity for me to answer that call and to obey that command to feed his people,” said Dale. “And I love it. I wouldn’t be doing anything else.”
Volunteers driven by purpose
Dale is joined by volunteers from across Houston and beyond, many of whom describe their service as mutually enriching.
“I’ve been volunteering here off and on for a few years. I love serving my community,” said Angie Meus, a volunteer originally from Chicago. “I think it’s important to give back, and the people that we serve are so appreciative of the time that we spend here.”
Meus says the experience gives back to her as well.
“It makes me feel good to know that I’m helping someone else in their time of need,” she said. “Even if I just spend an hour here, being able to use that time to help someone else is just a blessing.”
Mary Williams, a Gary, Indiana native who relocated to Houston to attend Texas Southern University, has volunteered at Manna House for three years with an unmistakable energy and joy.
“The Bible says if ye are able to help, help your sister, help your brother come along,” Williams said. “So, I cannot rest aside and know that I have neighbors, friends, relatives who are in need and not offer a helping hand.”
Rooted in community and faith
Houston native Margaret Samuel, a Lamar High School alumna and Third Ward resident, sees her volunteer work as deeply tied to purpose and faith.
“I’m volunteering my time because that’s what God calls us to do,” Samuel said. “And it makes me feel like I have a purpose. When I come here, I feel blessed because I’m able to do something that helps somebody else.”
A vehicle for generosity
That shared sense of mission is what keeps Manna House running week after week, not only distributing food, but also receiving it through donations from Houstonians like Cheri Church.
“This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while,” Church said. “During the SNAP issues, my family had stocked up on some goods. Finding Manna House was just a reminder of the things I needed to donate. This is a time when people have real needs, and food is just not something that people should be going without.”
Blessings on both sides of service
Washington believes the impact of Manna House extends beyond the pantry walls.
“You don’t get paid, but you get paid,” said Washington. “Payment is in your spirit to give back. Each week, volunteers arrive without being asked, bagging food, greeting families, and walking groceries to waiting cars.
“To volunteer, you have to really care about the people and the situation that brings them to ask for help. And when you give back, they give back to you because they’re so grateful.”
Manna House board members include the following:
Marion Battles, St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church
Nanette Edwards, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ
Yvonne Freeman, St Mary of the Purification Catholic Church
Bertha Kirkland, St Mary of the Purification Catholic Church
Ouida Thornton, St Mary of the Purification Catholic Church
Andrea Tucker, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
Jene Washington, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ
Rhonda Williams, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
For more information about Manna House, call 713-529-3381 or email mannahouse3rd@gmail.com.
