News

 

Pensacola, FL (January 20, 2021) – The Krewe of Sparta is holding its 10th Annual All Krewe Humanitarian Award Food Drive Challenge now through February 4^th, and is encouraging all Pensacola Mardi Gras Krewes to participate. The food drive benefits the hungry in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties served by Manna Food Bank.

 

Traditionally, food is collected by Krewe of Sparta at a single-day event where all participating krewes come together to celebrate their contributions with music, fare and drinks. However, due to COVID-19, changes have been made to the format of the event. This year, participating krewes will schedule their donation drop-off at Manna now through February 4.

 

“When we learned how great the need is for food assistance in our community right now, we knew this food drive could not be another postponed event,” said Jimmy Hendrix of Krewe of Sparta. “So, we adapted to make it as safe as possible while ensuring Manna gets the food they need to distribute to folks in need.”  

 

As in years past, points are assigned as food is weighed-in from each krewe, and krewes with the most points win the challenge. Double points will be awarded for the following items: chicken and tuna (cans not larger than 16 oz. and pouches), microwaveable dinners (e.g. Hormel Compleats) and fruit in 100% juice (cans not larger than 32 oz. and cups with peel-off tops). Double points items must be pre-sorted prior to delivering to Manna.

 

Winners of the food drive challenge will be named in two categories: Small Krewe Division (45 members or less) and Large Krewe Division (46 members or more). Both divisions will be awarded a first place trophy with recognition given for second and third places. Last year, krewes donated 35,149 pounds of food.

 

All Pensacola Mardi Gras Krewes are invited to join the competition and help make a difference in the community. To sign up or for more information, krewe representatives should contact Jimmy Hendrix at jameswhendrix04@gmail.com or (850) 791-0619.

 

For more information about Manna, please visit mannahelps.org.

 

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About Manna

Manna’s mission is to offer emergency food assistance, service the food-related needs of vulnerable populations, and engage the entire community in the fight against hunger. A local grassroots organization with no national affiliation or government funding, Manna provided food to 35,417 people last year. Manna operates a network of three emergency food distribution pantries and nine specialty programs with 10 community partners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. For more information, please visit www.mannahelps.org.