Manna Market First Anniversary!

More than 70 people turned out to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Manna Market at All Saints’ Cathedral with ice cream, cake and balloons. On Wednesday afternoon, August 28, people lined up for an opportunity to purchase fresh produce from the market for a cost far less than grocery store prices.

The Rev. Quinn Strikwerda, Vicar of All Saints’ Cathedral and the Rt. Rev. Jane Alexander, Bishop of Edmonton, welcomed special guests including David Duarte-Hui, manager of Fatima’s Discount Food Store and supplier of the market, and David Shepherd, MLA for Edmonton City-Centre.

“We know it’s sometimes very difficult to get fresh fruits and vegetables right here in the heart of the city,” said Bishop Jane. “It’s so great to be able to have this ministry and to have new friends in the community. We give thanks to God and I ask God to continue to bless this ministry and to bless all of you who come every week.”

“It’s a pleasure to come and celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Manna Market with all of you,” said Shepherd. “A big thanks to everybody here at All Saints’ and to David and everyone at Fatima’s for their support to make this happen. I look forward to work like this continuing in our community for many years to come,” he said.

All Saints’ started the Manna Market as Reach project on August 29, 2018, to help provide food security in downtown Edmonton where, like many areas of the province, wages and income supports do not keep pace with the cost of living. Many of the market’s customers are senior citizens living on a fixed income. In addition to affordable food options, the market is a place for neighbours to meet and share a cup of coffee.

“At the first market, one customer told me how amazing it was not to have to make the choice between vegetables or chicken for supper, because now she can have both,” Strikwerda told The Messenger last year. “Providing choice and dignity in the context of community is what this initiative is all about.”