Employees of Axalta Coating Systems spent their day volunteering in MANNA’s full commercial kitchen in Philadelphia last week. Having volunteered at the organization once before, members of the Axalta Industrial team compiled and packaged 975 eggplant parmesan entrees, 975 chicken entrees, and bagged 975 dinner rolls for the local community members battling critical illnesses. These meals will become a source of nourishment and nutritional support during their time of need.

MANNA was founded in 1990 by seven members of the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Their original mission was to help comfort those diagnosed with AIDS at a time when ignorance of AIDS and the stigma associated with the disease was at its height. Often shunned and isolated from family and friends, MANNA was often the only source of love and care they knew. In 2006, MANNA expanded its outreach to Philadelphians facing other critical illnesses, such as cancer, renal and cardiac disease and diabetes.

“This is our second time working with MANNA, which has proved to be a rewarding team-building activity for our Industrial group, but also an inspiring experience to see this ambitious facility at work and to know we are spending our time helping the people in our community directly,” stated Michael Cash, President of Industrial Coatings. “Philadelphia is important to Axalta, and it is the home of our Global Headquarters. Being able to help out and support a local organization, even in this small way, aligns with our values as a company.”

Today, operating from a renovated 10,000 square foot facility on Ranstead Street in Philadelphia, MANNA brings more than 70,000 nourishing meals each month to those struggling with a multitude of serious diseases in Southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. They’ve recently celebrated 25 years of service are exploring a future of using food as medicine.