The third annual Pack the Pirate Ship food drive – presented by Krewe of Lafitte and benefitting Manna Food Bank – will be held on Friday, December 16, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The general public is invited to participate by donating nonperishable food items and financial gifts that will be used to provide food assistance to children, senior citizens, veterans, families, and individuals in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties through Manna’s pantry and community programs.
Krewe of Lafitte – the largest men’s krewe along the Florida panhandle – will host two drop-off sites: Astro Lincoln, 6350 Pensacola Boulevard; and Joe Patti’s Seafood, 524 South B Street. Krewe member volunteers, including from the Krewe of Aphrodite, will help offload donations while donors get a good look at the iconic pirate ship parade floats.
Manna’s most-needed food items are:
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- Canned Fruit in 100% Juice (20 oz. and smaller)
- Canned Mixed Vegetables (16 oz. and smaller)
- Chicken and Tuna (canned and pouches)
- Oatmeal (boxes of single-serve packets)
- Peanut Butter (1 lb. jars and individual cups)
- Microwaveable Dinners (e.g. Hormel Compleats)
- Canned Beans
Manna accepts and appreciates all nonperishable food donations. To ensure food safety, we cannot accept any rusty or unlabeled cans, perishable items, homemade items, noncommercial canned or packaged goods, alcoholic beverages, or items that have been used or opened.
Financial gifts (cash, credit/debit cards and checks) are also greatly appreciated. A donation of just $25.00 will provide food for five days to a senior citizen in need, and $50.00 will provide 30 healthy meals for a child.
The event is also made possible by media partner WKRG News 5.
For more information, please visit www.MannaHelps.org or call (850) 432-2053.
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 69,095 people last year. Manna operates an emergency food distribution pantry and 17 specialty programs with 22 community partners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
