Board Chair

Jeannette Bronsord has been involved with Master’s Manna for several years as the organization grew to meet an increasing need for services in Wallingford, Meriden and surrounding areas.  As a nurse and longtime resident of both the Wallingford and Meriden area, she became a member of the Board of Directors at Master’s Manna to contribute to the community in a meaningful way. Jeannette states, “Food insecurity and near homelessness are key determinants of the health of an individual, a family, and eventually the entire community.  The philosophy for providing services such as food, clothing, and meals with respect, preserving the dignity of persons served is at the core of our mission”. 

Board Treasurer

One of the goals instilled in me by my parents and community, was to leave this place in a better condition than you found it. My involvement with Master’s Manna is a small attempt to reach for that mark. The mission at Master’s Manna is to alleviate food insecurity from the list of monthly issues that people face. Fortunately, we live in a land of plenty, so our daily task is to reclaim the excess and quickly turn it around  to those in need. The fundamental belief at Master’s Manna can be summed up straightforwardly by stating, “Food is not an option.”

Board Vice Chairperson

IRay has been a lifelong volunteer working with many organizations to give back to the community. He was first exposed to the essential services that Master’s Manna provides when he was a Boy Scout leader and brought Scouts in to volunteer. When Ray retired in 2015, it was the first place he thought of to volunteer.

Ray has found volunteering at Master’s Manna to be a very rewarding and an amazing experience. He learned that helping alleviate food insecurity for families is not the only service we provide. Giving a friendly smile and partaking in small talk may help someone make it through the day.

Ray has great respect for the Volunteers, Staff, and Board members at Master’s Manna. The Master’s Manna team really cares about the communities and families we serve, treats everyone with respect, and provides additional support whenever possible.

Ray will continue his service as a volunteer in the food pantry. He also looks forward to his new role as a Board Member to help build upon the essential services that Master’s Manna has provided to the community.

Ian was raised in the United Kingdom and came to the USA in 1978 after serving as a residential Social Worker in Edinburgh. With his wife, Beth, they are both very active in Wallingford, North Haven and New Haven helping residents access the basic needs of daily life.

Working in semi-retirement, with all three children launched in their lives and careers, Ian presently serves on the Boards of Master’s Manna, Inc., Community Mediation and the local Toastmasters chapter. He particularly enjoys making connections between people and organizations that are mutually beneficial.

Upon his first visit to Master’s Manna, Ian was cautioned that “when you enter the third time you are addicted”.  That first visit occurred in 2013.  Ian possesses a natural ability to speak with people, make them feel comfortable and deduce where they may volunteer.  Ian likes to see accomplishments.

Over many years, I have been actively involved in several business and community organizations.   After a friend told me about Master’s Manna, I stopped in, received a tour and decided this was a non-profit where I could volunteer effectively.  I strongly believe in the mission at Master Manna. After visiting a Board Meeting, I was pleased to join the Master’s Manna Board of Directors. The vast amount of Marketing experience gained from my work and other volunteer activities can help me to make a positive impact as a Director.  My experience and love of interacting with people will help to provide some of the basic needs of the organization. I believe I can help Master’s Manna grow develop a network of support.

Linda Craig, now retired, sold her Always Best Care Senior Services business, which she developed seven years ago. The agency provided senior home care to the greater New Haven area. With extensive management experience in pharmaceuticals and oncology diagnostics, Linda used her community knowledge to offer exceptional care to Wallingford and nearby regions.

Linda now applies her skills to help grow Master’s Manna, a non-profit organization, where she volunteers and serves as a board member. She finds joy in giving back and believes it is more rewarding than receiving.  She believes in bring hope to those in need and strives to educate others about the service that Master Manna provides.

Linda is married with two grown children, Christina and Thomas. She enjoys traveling, gardening, hiking, camping, and crafts.

Executive Director

Nancy Stockman joined Master’s Manna in November 2023 after serving as the Food Pantry Coordinator for the Town of West Hartford for 8 years.  Nancy received a B.S. in Business Administration from Villanova University and also has 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

Nancy feels strongly that “no one should go hungry” and she enjoys connecting with clients, donors, staff and volunteers while assisting members of the community.

Board Director Emeritus in Memoria

Bill Pappas was the President and CEO of Fosdick Fulfillment. Bill was well acquainted with the non-profit world of the greater Wallingford Meriden area having served on several non-profit boards. Building collaborative partnerships was one of Bill’s strengths. When Bill was first introduced to Master’s Manna, he stated,  “Master’s Manna is the best kept secret in Wallingford”.  Along with an understanding of and commitment to the mission of Master’s Manna Bill brought a willingness and know-how to “leak the secret” and poise this organization for continued growth and success.  Bill’s passion and personal belief was that “Food is not an option.” 

Master’s Manna, Inc., saddened by the loss of his presence, sage advice and guidance,  will continue to emulate his commitment to the end of food insecurity.  Bill Pappas’s life was a bright light in the world and a gift to Master’s Manna.  Bill also supported several other non-profits, to which he held a lasting commitment.  The Board of Directors, Staff and Volunteers agree to perpetually keep the memory of Bill’s passion alive in every way possible at Master’s Manna, Inc.  This was accomplished by naming the Food Pantry at Master’s Manna in honor of Bill and his family – all supporters in the effort to eliminate food insecurity.  The Food Pantry bears the name:  “Pappas Family Food Pantry”.