News

Local law enforcement and fire departments are running to the rescue once more —teaming up again to fight hunger for the 2024 Donut Strike for Manna – presented by Hanto + Clarke General Contractors and PenAir Credit Union.

These brave men and women are going on strike against the disc-shaped delicacies this Wednesday, June 26 through Friday, June 28 to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Manna. They won’t give in until truckloads of nutritious food have 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 seventh year of the Donut Strike and so far, the pastry protest has raised more than 160,000 healthy meals to help fight hunger in our communities. This year, longtime supporters of the Donut Strike for Manna food drive, Hanto + Clarke General Contractors and PenAir Credit Union are joining Manna as official sponsors of this sweet event.

The Donut Strike wrap party will be held at J’s Bakery and Café on July 2 at 8:30 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.