Matthew Burnette, Staff Writer

A pair of friends in Manchester have joined together to make sure that those less fortunate in their community can have a hot meal.

Brandi Johnson and Andrea Wix came up with the idea to start cooking meals for people in Manchester who might not get one otherwise.

They each make enough to feed 150 people and then come together with some sides and dessert. The duo feeds people at both the Truckers Inn and Southern Inn.

“Anyone at the motels or anyone in need just come through the line and we get them a plate and fill it up how they want so they can have a warm cooked meal because a lot of people at the motels are struggling, and they don’t get a home-cooked meal that often,” said Johnson. “A  lot of motels don’t have a kitchen, so we wanted to feed them.”

Johnson explained that once people started coming, they got more comfortable with talking with her and Wix. They then realized that the problem may have ben bigger they anticipated and decided to expand.

“We saw that they’re struggling with more than just  a meal, so there’s about 100 people we feed on Tuesdays and 100 people we feed on Thursdays,” she said. “We’ll cook it and put it in containers and deliver it to them on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It’s the homeless, the people in need, in the motels, anybody.”

During November when SNAP benefits were delayed, Johnson and Wix were able to collect 19 food boxes for people in need. Johnson says that they hope to fill in gaps for people.

“There’s a lot of people that do work, but they’re working during the time that the food pantries are open so they can’t go through and get food for their family, so we helped out a lot there.”

Johnson says they do the work that they do simply because they love it.

“We truly love it, and God provides a way every week,” she said. “We fund ourselves, and we do it in our own kitchens. We get what’s on sale and we get a menu together and just go with it, and somehow or another it just works itself out every week. It’s beautiful.”

“God just called us to feed his people and love his people and that’s what we do,” she added.

Sometimes, on busy weeks, the pair find simple meals that they can make for the people, but it doesn’t put a damper on the gratefulness.

“Even when they get a salad or bagels and eggs, they are so happy to just get food. It truly, truly touches your heart,” said Johnson. “They’re so grateful.”

In addition to the meals, Johnson and Wix also collect clothes and shoes from people who may be cleaning out their closets. They also provide hygiene products like shampoos, deodorant, brushes and toothpaste once a month for the people they serve.

“We want everyone to know that they are loved,” emphasized Johnson. “Jesus says that love conquers all. We just want them to know that they are loved and cared about and that someone’s here for them. We’re all going through that struggle.”