Sierra Sun: What is the nature of this nonprofit?
Project MANA (Making Adequate Nutrition Accessible) is the hunger relief organization serving the North and West Shores of Lake Tahoe and Truckee, which includes the coverage of three counties in Northern California and one county in Northern Nevada.
Give a brief history of this nonprofit?
Project MANA started in July of 1991 by a student at Sierra Nevada College as a school project. Since its inception, Project MANA has responded to the emergency food needs of the homeless, the elderly, the homebound, families in need, children and single parents.
Give a brief background of the principal manager?
George LeBard has been Executive Director since 1998. He previously worked for 18 years in Belize, many of these as a PeaceCorps leader. While in Belize George also founded the Belize High School of Agriculture in 1984. The school is still very active and has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students.
Explain what the features are of this nonprofit?
Providing immediate relief to those experiencing hunger in the form of groceries distributed to families by Project MANA volunteers. Educating and empowering individuals and families experiencing hunger to identify and alleviate the causes of hunger. Mobilizing human and other community resources to advocate for the hungry and low-income populations. Included in this effort is educating the community about hunger issues. Breaking the cycle of hunger and building a hunger-free community.
How will this add to the community?
A hunger free community is in the best interest of every community.
How can people contribute?
By donating food or money – volunteering.
What if they are unable to donate money but want to help?
There are programs they can volunteer for. Call Gwen, our volunteer coordinator, at (775) 298-0008 or Kaili at (530) 582-4079.
What future plans do you have for your nonprofit?
To create an endowment fund for general operations.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Thank you and the community for all your support.
