Wal-Mart asks customers to support Manna

Wal-Mart customers will be able to help hungry families fill their pantries throughout the month of August. Wal-Mart stores in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties will participate in a drive to provide area families with food during a time when contributions are historically low.

Wal-Mart associates will also participate in the food drive, in support of the company's Personal Sustainability Program which motivates associates to better themselves, their environment and their community.

Of the 11 area Wal-Mart Stores participating, nine will contribute to MANNA while two stores, Destin and Gulf Shores, will give to a local food pantry.

"It's a one-stop shop - just grab a few extra cans or boxes of food while you're shopping and donate them before you leave the store," said Casie Thompson, co-manager of Wal- Mart's Blue Angel Pkwy location and coordinator of the 11- store food drive. "We're proud to partner with MANNA in this drive. We know it's going to make a huge difference in the lives of area families in need."

MANNA serves more than 20,000 persons in northwest Florida annually through its network of nine distribution sites spread throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.