Manna Kitchen in New Boston, Texas, will cease operations on Friday. The nonprofit organization, operated by Chapel of Light Church, delivers meals to senior citizens and disabled people in New Boston and DeKalb.
"There are several reasons for it closing, but I don't want to get into specifics," said A.M. Adams, pastor at Chapel of Light Church.
"Manna Kitchen was started in order to perform the Will of the Lord by helping the area's elderly and shut-ins. The congregation of the Chapel of Light feels at this time, Manna Kitchen is not functioning as the church intended. Therefore on March 17, the congregation of Chapel of Light voted to cease operation of Manna Kitchen," according to a news release from the church.
It began as a ministry in 1996.
"When we first started out, that first day we were open, I think we served five people," Adams said. "There were times we were serving more than 100, but I think now it's around 80."
Manna Kitchen was a ministry of the church and accepted no federal or state funding. Instead it relied on donations of area churches, individuals, organization and businesses to carry out its mission.
More than 1.5 million meals have been served in the organization's 23 years in operation, according to a press release from Chapel of Light Church.
Manna Kitchen will no longer accept donations, and money will be returned, according to the release.
Adams said a couple of churches are planning to step up and fill the void left by the closure.
"There's another church that wants to step in and perhaps take over. It's a good opportunity for someone that wants to do it. It won't be a big problem. People will still be fed," he said.