News

Pensacola, FL (June 27, 2023) – Local law enforcement and fire departments teamed up again to fight hunger. During the 2023 Donut Strike for Manna, eight agencies across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties collected food and funds, raising the equivalent of 30,750 healthy meals for hungry neighbors in need served by Manna Food Bank. This year’s event brings first responders’ total contributions since 2017 to more than 160,000 healthy meals for children and families in need!

 

Pen Air Federal Credit Union generously supported the Donut Strike once again by kicking off the three-day event with a $10,000 contribution to Manna in support of first responders’ efforts.

 

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.

 

“Local law enforcement and firefighters are not only our every-day heroes; they’re our hunger heroes too,” said DeDe Flounlacker, Executive Director of Manna. “Families are struggling to make ends meet this summer. Our first responders have generously answered the call to impact change for their neighbors in need.”

 

Generous event supporters also include Buzz Marketing, Hanto + Clarke, Kia Autosport, Pensacola Professional Firefighters Local 707, Red Iron Design House, and all participating grocer locations including Apple Market, several Publix locations, Sam’s Club, several WalMart locations, and several Winn-Dixie locations.

 

First responders went on strike against the disc-shaped delicacies from June 21 through June 23 to encourage the community to fight local hunger by supporting Manna. Once they had raised their goal, they indulged at the 2023 Donut Strike for Manna Wrap Party/Coffee with a First Responder event on June 27 at J’s Bakery and Café – the event’s donut sponsor.