CUMC's Manna House food pantry is funded completely by donations and is open to anyone in our community who faces an emergency need for food. We serve an average of 648 families a month from all areas of Knoxville and surrounding cities.

At Manna House, clients can "shop" once a month rather than only having the option of pre-bagged food. Shopping adds dignity to the process, as clients are able to make choices based on predetermined limits.  It also gives them the individual attention of a volunteer.

Inexpensive foods are often unhealthy, so Manna House stives to offer a consistent food stock of healthy options: whole grain, limited refined sugars, low fat, and low salt products.

Clients are also offered a voucher to purchase bread, eggs and dairy at any Food City grocery store. 

Pantry hours:
Tuesday, 10:00 am - noon 
Wednesday, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Thursday, 10:00 am - noon, and 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Monthly Food Needs:
  • Spaghetti Sauce (low-salt)
  • Spaghetti Noodles (whole-wheat)
  • Canned Fruit (packed in water or lite syrup)
  • Brown Rice
  • Canned Chicken
  • Fresh Produce
Where to Donate:
Food can be placed in collection bins which are located behind the welcome desk at the North Campus, outside of the main church office, and in Jan Sanders Hall on the South Campus.
Fiancial Contributions:
Manna House uses financial donations to purchase bread, eggs, and dairy vouchers for clients to shop at Food City. Checks should be made payable to Cokesbury United Methodist Church with "Manna House" in the memo line.

Serving in the Manna House:
We welcome volunteers of all ages to serve in Manna House. If you sign up to work at the pantry during pantry hours, you will help clients "shop" for their food. It is a great time to interact and listen to those God has brought to our doors.
Any combination of shifts is available.  Volunteer once, or choose a schedule.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Jamie West to sign up or get more information.
Sunday Collections:
Fliers listing the month's needs for Manna House are distributed to cars during worship on the first Sunday of the month. On the second Sunday, donors can leave food in a bag behind their car, and volunteers collect the bags.  This takes place on all three campuses.

Volunteer Opportunities:
If you would like to distribute fliers or collect food on one or more Sunday, email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 865-246-0437.
Grow-A-Row:
Calling all gardeners!...and those willing to purchase produce.  Fresh fruit and vegetables donations are a treat for Manna House clients.


Drop Off Options:
During pantry hours

Second Sunday Food Collection
Just place the produce in a bag behind your car before worship, and volunteers will collect it.

Manna House Collection Bins
Bins are located in the entry hallway of the North Campus, outside of the main church office, and in Jan Sanders Hall on the South campus. They are emptied late mornings on weekdays.