News

Manna recently received a significant donation of nearly 36,000 pounds of food and supplies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing the equivalent of 42,428 healthy meals to families in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The contribution included several nonperishable food items such as rice, beans, pasta, and fruit.

“Our friends at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are changing people’s lives,” said DeDe Flounlacker, Manna Executive Director. “Their contribution of thousands of pounds of healthy food will ensure that folks in our community – your neighbors and mine – can feed their families. We are so thankful for the generosity of The Church!”

Manna is a local nonprofit organization working to fight hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. To affect lasting change in the community, Manna focuses on providing the healthiest food possible through its emergency food assistance pantry and its 18 food security programs with 25 community partners. All food is provided free of charge to children, families, senior citizens, and individuals in need. Last year, Manna distributed more than 660,000 pounds of healthy food to 67,427 neighbors in need.

Jacob Smith, Pensacola Stake President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in following the Savior’s example by caring for those in need. Assisting Manna has been a privilege, and we are grateful for the opportunity to help feed individuals and families in our community. This is one way we live our faith not just in word, but in action.”

The Church has provided support to Manna through donations of food, goods, and volunteer time for several years. In total, their contributions have made possible the equivalent of more than 130,000 healthy meals to some of Northwest Florida’s most vulnerable citizens, and this recent gift continues a shared dedication to alleviating hunger in our community.

For individuals and families in need of food, pantry service is available by appointment, and program enrollment is via partner agencies. For more information and appointment availability, please call Manna at 850-432-2053.

Community members can join the effort to fight hunger by donating food, funds, or time. To support Manna or learn more about Manna’s programs and impact, please visit www.mannahelps.org.