MOSAIC Inter-Faith Ministries started its Manna Market program nearly 20 years ago, providing food, clothing and other necessities to members of the community facing financial struggles. 

In addition to its market, MOSAIC, located at 3278 S. 540 East, offers a variety of services including programs for refugees to help them integrate into their neighborhoods. The ministry also provides basics to college education and employment. 

On Jan. 16, MOSAIC opened a new Manna Market location at the Central Park Community Center (2797 S. 200 East). Anyone who needs assistance can stop by the market to pick up food and other donations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-10 a.m.

“With the rising prices of food, utilities and other things affecting people’s budgets, everyday families and individuals are really struggling to pay for basic needs,” said Rev. Dr. Leslie Whited, CEO of Mosaic Inter-faith Ministries. “People gather and meet and talk and share resources, and we have tables outside where people can bring clothing to share, and it’s all free.”

Supported by the Utah Food Bank and community donations, the Manna Market at Central Park will provide a larger space to accommodate more people. Whited said where they were seeing around 300 families a week, the number has jumped to around 600 families per week, looking for assistance.

For those who can’t make it to the Manna Market at Central Park, there is also an indoor market at Historic Scott School (3280 S. 540 East) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. 

Sarvend Madadov has worked with the Manna Market since 2007. What started as court-ordered community service has led to him becoming the market director. 

“I have four kids and an understanding of how people struggle to make payments with the prices going up,” Madadov said. “So this is helpful to everybody.”

For those interested in donating to the Manna Market, items can be taken directly to the market during operating hours. Most-needed items include non-perishable foods, clothing, shoes, winter gear and household items. Donations can also be taken to the MOSAIC office in South Salt Lake. 

“If you have extra food at all, maybe you’re cleaning out your garage and you have emergency food that you’re not going to use, or maybe you have extra food from your garden, or maybe you'd just like to give extra food to a pantry, we’ll take it. We love donations,” Whited said. 

Volunteers are also encouraged to help at the market. Whited said people come to the market for food but volunteers are on hand to help with job assistance, counseling, college entrance and more. 

“We are giving food basics to help people in need, but we also do everything we can so that they’re in their best economic and stable place,” she said. 

For more information, visit the MOSAIC Inter-Faith Ministries Facebook page. λ