News

Contact:

DeDe Flounlacker, Executive Director, Manna

dede@mannahelps.org | (850) 432-2053                                         

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Florida Blue donates $40,000 to the Manna Cares Campaign

 

Pensacola, FL (July 17, 2020) – In support of Manna’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, Florida Blue has made two contributions to the Manna Cares Campaign – a fundraiser benefitting Manna Food Bank – totaling $40,000. Florida Blue has committed more than $7 million to COVID-19 community investments across the state to provide access to testing and health care, food security and other essential needs.

 

In response to the effects of coronavirus, Manna has focused on supporting the needs of at-risk, vulnerable populations served pre-COVID-19, as well as those who suddenly find themselves unemployed or with reduced hours and have unmet needs. As a result, Manna has nearly doubled the amount of food distributed to accommodate the needs of our community. A portion of the Florida Blue contributions are meant to address food security for seniors, children and disadvantaged families, as well as support the mental health of those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis and provide essential needs to those struggling due to the pandemic.

 

“This health crisis has left many in our communities struggling to provide basic needs to their families. As a mission-driven organization, supporting the health and well-being of our neighbors is our priority. We continue to expand the resources we offer directly to our members and all Floridians in addition to investing in partners that impact all 67 counties,” said Pat Geraghty, Florida Blue president and CEO.

 

Manna is also facing the challenges of canceled and postponed food drives and the postponement of the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser, the Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl. In total to date, Manna anticipates losses of more than 125,000 pounds of food and more than $50,000 in event fundraising due to the pandemic.

 

“We’re so grateful for Florida Blue and their support,” said Manna Executive Director DeDe Flounlacker. “Florida Blue’s generous gifts provide hope for so many families in need in our community. This donation will allow us to provide the equivalent of 24,000 meals to folks who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.”

 

Donations to the Manna Cares Campaign can be made online at www.mannahelps.org or by sending a check to Manna, 3030 North E Street, Pensacola, FL 32501. All donations will support Manna’s efforts to feed our neighbors in need and will remain in our local community.

 

For more information, please visit www.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 19,499 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.

 

About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, has been providing health insurance to residents of Florida for 75 years. Driven by its mission of helping people and communities achieve better health, the company serves more than 5 million health care members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliated companies serve 27 million people in 35 states. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.