NEWS RELEASE -- After losing all its food to recent flooding, Manna Food Pantries’ main facility is once again receiving and stocking food.

Since Monday, staff and volunteers have been sorting 73,845 pounds of food collected during the Stamp Out Hunger Letter Carrier Food Drive. While that’s only enough food to serve the hungry in the area for one month, Executive Director DeDe Flounlacker says it’s a start.

“We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of this community,” said Flounlacker. “We’re starting from scratch, but we hope to be able to resume partial service in 8 to 10 weeks. We ask that the community continue to give — there is still a great need.”

The receiving warehouse is the only occupied building at the facility, and the staff has been temporarily working out of a trailer.

Jay Bradshaw, president of the Manna board of directors, says the board is actively looking for a new permanent home away from the flood-prone area.

“Right now, the priority for Manna is to resume service to the hungry as soon as possible,” said Bradshaw. “For the long-term, the board is committed to finding a more suitable location to serve the community.

Last year, Manna Food Pantries distributed nearly 900,000 pounds of food to the hungry and helped 42,116 people. The non-profit has been serving the community since 1983.

Got to mannafoodpantries.org to find out how you can make a donation or volunteer to help. Donations can also be made by U.S. Mail to Manna, PO Box 2582, Pensacola, FL 32513.

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