CLARKSVILLE, TN – Manna Cafe Ministries, the fifth largest food pantry in Middle Tennessee, successfully held its 15th annual Combat Hunger food drive throughout the month of October, culminating in a one-day community-wide push on Oct. 25.
The Combat Hunger campaign, a signature event for Manna Cafe presented by 5 Star Media Group and F&M Bank, mobilized more than 100 volunteers across 40 business locations and 12 grocery stores throughout Montgomery and Stewart Counties. Participants collected nonperishable food items to help stock Manna Cafe’s warehouse in preparation for the winter months, when the need for food assistance traditionally increases.
Traditionally Combat Hunger has been a one-day event, but this year the campaign was extended to the entire month, allowing local businesses and schools to conduct food drives at their individual locations. Donations for this year totaled more than 27,000 pounds of food, which is a 61% increase over last year’s 17,000 pounds.
This year, to spark some excitement, the business and school collecting the most pounds of food were awarded a championship belt as a traveling trophy along with bragging rights for the year. Florim USA collected donations totalling 1,274 pounds. Students and staff at Barksdale Elementary collected 939 pounds of non-perishable food items.
“This event is a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we work together,” said Vicki York, CEO of Manna Cafe Ministries. “Every can, every box, and every volunteer hour makes a difference for families facing food insecurity.”
The donations collected through Combat Hunger will support Manna Cafe’s mission to serve individuals and families in Montgomery and Stewart Counties through its food pantry, mobile food distribution programs, and meal services.
| GET HELP, GIVE HELP: Clarksville Strong, your guide to local nonprofits