News

Pensacola, FL (June 12, 2026) – In two weeks, local firefighters and law enforcement officers are answering a different kind of emergency call: the growing need for food assistance in our community. These brave men and women will be trading donuts for donations as they rally the community together to help fight local hunger.

 

No sprinkles. No glaze. No jelly-filled treats — until families have the food they need. That’s the message behind the annual Donut Strike for Manna. From Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, first responders are going on strike against the disc-shaped delicacies to inspire donations of food and funds to support hungry neighbors in need. They won’t give in until truckloads of healthy, non-perishable food have been donated.

 

Each day of the Donut Strike, first responders will be stationed at grocery stores across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties from 3:00 to 6:00 PM to collect nutritious food and monetary donations. For a list of participating grocery stores in your area, please visit www.mannahelps.org. Donations may be dropped off directly at Manna, 3030 North E Street, Pensacola, FL 32501, any day during the week of the strike from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

 

Entering its ninth year, the annual pastry protest has become a powerful force for good, generating the equivalent of more than a quarter-million healthy meals for local children and families facing food insecurity. Manna is grateful for the continued support of Hanto + Clarke General Contractors and PenAir Credit Union, whose generous sponsorship helps make this event possible. Special thanks also to J’s Bakery and Café, the official donut sponsor, for helping bring this sweet tradition to life. Together, these dedicated community partners continue to rise to the occasion, demonstrating the impact of local businesses and organizations coming together to fight hunger.

 

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, Pensacola Police Department, and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Manna is a local, grassroots non-profit dedicated to fighting hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. To learn more about Manna, the Donut Strike, or to donate, visit the Manna Facebook page or www.mannahelps.org.