News

Pensacola, FL (August 24, 2020) – Manna Food Bank Inc. recently received a $15,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation as part of its Truist Cares* initiative to support Manna’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

 

“We are so grateful for this generous gift from our friends at Truist,” said Manna Executive Director DeDe Flounlacker. “This grant will provide the equivalent of 9,000 healthy meals for our neighbors in need who are struggling as a result of the pandemic. Grants like this one from Truist make it possible for Manna to continue food distribution.”

 

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, furloughed or with reduced hours and have unmet needs. To address the increased need for food assistance in the Northwest Florida community, Manna has provided nonperishable food items and fresh produce to more than 13,500 people since March – a 128% increase over 2019. While requests for assistance grew, many of Manna’s food drives and fundraisers were postponed or canceled due to the pandemic.

 

“As a Manna board member, I recognize the critical need for food assistance in our community,” said Tom Owens, Truist market president, Florida Panhandle. “The COVID-19 crisis has created a financial hardship for many families. Truist is honored to support Manna’s mission with this grant to help lighten the load for families in need.”

 

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

 

###

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 Truist

Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspire and build better lives and communities. With 275 years of combined BB&T and SunTrust history, Truist serves approximately 12 million households with leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country. The company offers a wide range of services including retail, small business and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending; and wealth management. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is the sixth-largest commercial bank in the U.S. with total assets of $504 billion as of June 30, 2020. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.

 

* Truist Cares is a cooperative effort between Truist Financial Corporation, Truist Foundation, Inc., and Truist Charitable Fund to provide communities, organizations and individuals disaster relief and assistance during the COVID-19 crisis.