The mission of Manna Food Pantries (Manna) is to offer emergency food assistance, service the food-related needs of vulnerable populations, and engage the entire community in the fight against hunger. In 1982, a local study concluded that there was a need for a centralized clearinghouse for the collection, storage and distribution of non-perishable food items to individuals and families in emergency situations. Community leaders responded by incorporating the Manna Food Bank. A Board of Directors was established, start-up monies were raised, inventories amassed, and an operations staff was hired. The Manna Food Pantries opened its doors to serve clients on January 3, 1983 as a local, grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. All services are offered free of charge, and Manna receives no government funding and has no national affiliation. Most funding comes from individuals, foundations, faith-based organizations, corporations, and businesses. Manna is nonsectarian, community focused and volunteer supported organization that believes every person has a right to live without hunger and be treated with respect and dignity. Manna now operates three food pantries and nine specialty programs in the two-county area.