Hunger Stops Here

Hunger Stops Here fundraiser will benefit Manna and local businesses Pensacola, FL (October 1, 2020) – Manna Food Bank, Inc. has made changes to the format of their annual fundraiser, and it’s designed to benefit both the nonprofit and local businesses this year. The Hunger Stops Here fundraiser will feature the handcrafted bowls that are typically available at the Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl event in early September. But this year, supporters can purchase the one-of-a-kind bowls at various locations throughout Northwest Florida where local businesses will have a featured item to complement each bowl sale. “This is our opportunity to support those who have always supported Manna,” said DeDe Flounlacker, Manna executive director. “We have all been affected by the pandemic and the hurricane. Our hope is that Hunger Stops Here not only supports Manna’s work so we can continue to assist those in need, but also drives folks to local businesses that need our patronage. It’s a win-win.” Handcrafted bowls thrown by local potters from First City Art Center and Pensacola State College will be available at various locations for $40 apiece. Each bowl sold will provide 24 healthy meals for neighbors in need. Participating local businesses include Beyond the Grape, Brew Angels Brewery, The Daily Squeeze, Dog House Deli, Emerald Republic Brewing, The Gateway Café at the SCI Building, Global Grill, In & Out Kitchen, Mr. Pollo, O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown, and Rusted Arrow Mercantile. Vendors are still being added; the most up-to-date list of participating vendors can be found at mannahelps.org. Vendors’ featured items will include everything from gift cards to beer. Manna’s annual fundraiser, the Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl event, which is held at Pensacola State College, was canceled earlier in the year due to the COVID-19 crisis, as the event typically draws a large crowd. Manna hopes to resume the traditional format of the fundraiser in 2021. For more information, please visit www.mannahelps.org. ### About The Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl The event was established in 2006 at Pensacola State College under the direction of Dona Usry, former Manna Guild Member and PSC Board Member; Krist Lien, District Department Head of the Visual Arts Department; Dr. Jim Martin, former PSC Vice President of Administration; and Bill Clover, Visual Arts Professor. For the first two years, the fundraiser was called Throw A Bowl, and guests were invited to make their own bowls under the guidance of the Visual Arts Department. In 2008, the fundraiser changed to two events - Pick A Bowl and Fill A Bowl – and in 2017, the two events became one, Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl. Professor Bill Clover, his students, other faculty members, and local artists from First City Arts Center contributed thousands of hours and created thousands of bowls for the events. In 2018, after Bill Clover passed away, the event was renamed The Clover Pick A Bowl Fill A Bowl in honor and memory of his commitment to the fundraiser that combines his passion for art and his dedication to the community. 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 19,499 people last year. Manna operates a network of three emergency food distribution pantries and nine specialty programs with 10 community partners in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.