Phoenix and Mesa food banks working overtime in preparation for holiday season, here's how you can help
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: As the holiday season is approaching, countless families in Arizona find themselves facing the harsh reality of putting food on the table becoming a daunting challenge.
However, amidst these hardships, Phoenix and Mesa food banks are going above and beyond to ensure that no one goes without a meal during this festive season and throughout the year.
Grace Astor, a representative from the United Food Bank in Mesa, underscored the significance of providing sustenance to families and told 12News, "The holidays are really when families gather together and it’s always around food."
Ensuring that every household in the Valley has access to food is their mission, not just during the holidays but year-round.
Valley food banks strive to alleviate hunger amidst soaring demand
Traditionally, these food banks distribute an impressive 50,000 meals every single day, catering to the hunger needs of Arizona families.
Astor revealed, "Last year we distributed to over 2,000 Arizona families." This year, the demand is expected to rise even further.
On a national level, food insecurity has seen a startling 30% increase year after year, marking the highest levels since 2014, according to Astor.
This is indicative of the ongoing struggles faced by some and the newly arising need for assistance experienced by others due to unforeseen financial burdens or health crises.
At this crucial juncture, these food banks are reaching out to the community for support, especially regarding donations of turkeys, which are in high demand. Astor passionately appealed, "If you can drop a turkey off, please do that."
However, they are also in need of various food items year-round, including canned meat, fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereal, peanut butter, rice, pasta, soup, stew, chili, and beans.
Providing 8,000 meals daily and the crucial role of community support
In Phoenix, St Vincent de Paul witnessed a doubling of meal counts within three months this summer, and they now serve a staggering 8,000 meals to those in need each day.
Marisol Saldivar, a spokesperson for St Vincent de Paul, stressed the importance of donations, particularly in partnership with campaigns like 'Turkey Tuesday' on 12News.
Saldivar explained, "We really count on that drive... those turkeys help us get through the holidays and beyond." The donated turkeys continue to be distributed into January and February, providing a crucial source of protein for those in need.
Saldivar encouraged community participation in donating at local stores, saying, "Please say yes that you want to donate... that will really help us fill some food boxes."
They also require staple items like peanut butter, canned tuna, and canned chicken to assist families through challenging months, especially when they are trying to allocate their resources for holiday gifts.
The gratitude expressed by the families these food banks serve makes all the time and effort invested by volunteers and donors worthwhile.
Astor, in particular, finds holiday distributions especially heartwarming, recounting the moments when recipients drive through, expressing their heartfelt thanks.
If you want to get involved or donate, details are available in the United Food Bank's website.
