Pensacola, Florida – (July 26, 2022) Pen Air presented $10,000 to Manna Food Pantries’ 5th Annual Donut Strike. The 2022 drive collected the equivalent of 32,694 healthy meals over the course of the three-day campaign. Nearly 130,000 healthy meals have been distributed throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since 2017.The Donut Strike originated as a joint effort of the Pensacola Police Department, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Pensacola Fire Department, Escambia County Fire Rescue, local businesses, and the community to turn hunger into hope. With a front row view of hunger and the impact it has, first responders vowed to put the donuts down and do something to help, and the community stood behind their efforts.
“Pen Air is committed to the communities we serve, “says Delbert Lee Morgan, the credit union’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Hunger does not discriminate. The rising costs of inflation are impacting everyone, resulting in more families facing food insecurity. We are proud to support the call put out by our first responders to enhance lives – one meal at a time – for those in need.”
First responders went on strike from June 22 through June 24 gaining community to support toward combating local hunger. Participating agencies included the Escambia County Fire Rescue, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Breeze Fire Rescue, Gulf Breeze Police Department, Pace Fire Rescue District, Pensacola Fire Department, and Pensacola Police Department.
“Donut Strike is such an important event for us,” said DeDe Flounlacker, Executive Director of Manna Food Pantries. “The summer months are tough on donations. Need increases with the kids out of school while donations and drives are slow. This year is proving even more challenging with rising inflation and grocery prices. Donut Strike helps us bridge that gap and replenish so many essential pantry items like oatmeal and peanut butter,” says Flounlacker.
To learn more about Manna, the Donut Strike or to make a donation, visit the Manna Facebook page or mannahelps.org.
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About Pen Air Federal Credit Union At Pen Air Federal Credit Union, respect is a guiding principle. As the largest and oldest credit union headquartered in Pensacola, Florida, with $2.3 billion in assets, Pen Air is dedicated to enhancing lives through exceptional service, strength, and financial solutions. With 11 locations in Northwest Florida and Southeast Alabama combined with online and mobile banking, we provide worldwide reach. Pen Air is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution, serving the community and improving lives since 1936. For more information, visit penair.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 31,014 people last year. Manna operates an emergency food assistance pantry and 17 specialty programs with 22 community partners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
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