News
All Krewe Food Drive Weigh-in Day at Manna Food Bank slated for Feb. 20
Pensacola, FL (February 18, 2022) – The Krewe of Sparta’s 11th Annual All Krewe Humanitarian Award Food Drive Challenge will culminate in a weigh-in day held at Manna Food Bank on Sunday, February 20, from 1-5pm. Several Pensacola Mardi Gras krewes have been collecting food donations for months to compete in the challenge. The food drive benefits the hungry in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties served by Manna Food Bank.
“Krewe of Sparta’s food drive is critical for Manna, because food donations drop this time of year (not to mention the impact of the pandemic),” said Manna Executive Director DeDe Flounlacker. “The krewes have supported Manna’s mission to feed the hungry for years, and the tens of thousands of pounds of healthy food they donate in late winter/early spring make a tremendous difference in the lives of hungry children, seniors, families, veterans, and individuals in need!”
As in years past, points are assigned as food is weighed-in from each krewe, and krewes with the most points win the challenge. Double points will be awarded for food items Manna needs most: chicken and tuna (pouches 6 oz. or less), canned fruit in 100% juice (20 oz. or less), and canned vegetables (16 oz. or less). Double points items must be pre-sorted prior to drop-off at Manna.
Winners of the food drive challenge will be named in two categories: Small Krewe Division (45 members or less) and Large Krewe Division (46 members or more). Both divisions will be awarded a first place trophy with recognition given for second and third places, and winners will be announced at the Pensacola Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Priscus celebration on Mardi Gras night.
“We (the Krewes) just want people to realize that Pensacola Mardi Gras is not only about the parties and the fun; it’s about helping our community,” said Jimmy Hendrix of Krewe of Sparta and Pensacola Mardi Gras’ 2020 King Priscus.
For more information about Krewe of Sparta’s All Krewe Humanitarian Award Food Drive Challenge, please visit www.mannahelps.org/events/all-krewe-food-drive-challenge/.