News

Local first responders will collect food and funds at grocer locations to fight local hunger

Pensacola, FL (June 19, 2023) – Local law enforcement and fire departments are running to the rescue once more —teaming up again to fight hunger.

 

These brave men and women are going on strike against the disc-shaped delicacies this Wednesday, June 21 through Friday, June 23 to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Manna. They won’t give in until truckloads of nutritious food has been donated to the cause.

 

Each day of the Donut Strike, first responders will be stationed at grocery stores across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from 3 to 6 p.m. to collect food and monetary donations. For participating grocery stores in your area, please visit www.mannahelps.org. Food donations and financial gifts to Manna may also be dropped off at their headquarters, 3030 North E Street, Pensacola, any day during the week of the Strike, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

“Because the cost of food and other essentials is rising, Manna is experiencing even greater demand than is typical in the summer months,” said DeDe Flounlacker, Executive Director of Manna. “At the same time, food donations are down, as everybody feels the pinch on their budgets. Every day, our first responders see children and families who are struggling — and we are so grateful for their efforts to impact change.”

 

This is the sixth year of the Donut Strike and so far, the pastry protest has raised nearly 130,000 healthy meals to help fight hunger in our communities. The Donut Strike wrap party will be held at J’s Bakery and Café – the event’s donut sponsor – on June 27 at 8 a.m. to announce and celebrate the total meal count, and of course to eat dozens and dozens of donuts and have coffee with our heroes! All are welcome.

 

Participating agencies include the Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Midway Fire District, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department.