Tuscaloosa’s Manna Grocery and Deli has been a staple for healthy food for nearly 50 years. The store, now owned by Anna Drennen, continues to provide the community with clean, fresh, and often locally sourced ingredients.

A Long Family History of Healthy Food

Anna’s parents, Frances and Earle, started the business in 1972 with Harmony Natural Foods on the Tuscaloosa Strip. They later launched Manna Grocery in 1980. Anna said her parents were passionate about bringing health food to Alabama and educating customers on the benefits of healthy eating.

The deli, managed by Savannah Barder, offers a variety of dishes made with quality ingredients. Barder said she loves working at Manna because she has the freedom to be creative with the menu. The deli is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day except Sunday.

An Ever-Changing Menu

Manna Deli’s menu changes daily, with three different specials and two fresh soups and desserts. Barder said she keeps things fresh by using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. The deli is also partnering with Ben’s Bread to create a special dish for Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week.

Anna and Barder are excited to expand Manna’s grab-and-go offerings this summer, including a new row in the freezer case stocked with family-style meals. They are also ramping up the store’s presence on social media to reach a new generation of customers.

Manna Grocery and Deli is a community gathering place, with a dozen four-top tables and a few two-tops and bar seats. Anna said the space is more than just a store – it’s a place where friends and family can come together to enjoy fresh, healthy food.

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.