Summer News

In the past few months, food prices have increased at the fastest rate since 1990.  Those living below the federal poverty level are no longer the only ones feeling the pinch at the check-out line as prices for milk, eggs, bread, and produce continue to increase.  Arizona food prices have increased 19 percent in the past year, which is significantly higher than the national average at nine percent.  According to the USDA, the average American family is spending $80 more a month on groceries.  In addition to this, gas prices are setting national records, with Arizona at the top of the list of states with the highest prices

On Thursday, May 15, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance’s 31^st Avenue location hosted approximately 80 attendees from organizations all over the Valley to kick-off the second year of the Food Bank’s Send Hunger Packing campaign.

Send Hunger Packing spreads awareness throughout the community of the needs that exist during the summer. Although the Food Bank receives a lot of attention during the holidays, it is during the summer that assistance is needed the most because demand is at its highest. So, with decreasing donations and increased demand, the Food Bank faces a very difficult three months.

Hosted by presenting sponsor Gila River Casinos, attendees were taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Food Bank that included discussions from agency partners and Community Kitchen students who benefit from the mission of the Food Bank. When their tour was complete, those in attendance listened to speakers, Robert Aubry of Campbell’s and Tom Kertis of U.S. Foodservice, as they revealed what their corporate philosophies were on philanthropy and how they put those philosophies into action.

During the program, Barry McBride, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Board President, presented Governor Napolitano’s proclamation that made May 15 Arizona Hunger Awareness Day. Barry and President and CEO Terry Shannon were then presented with a check for 175,000 meals from Gila River Casinos Board members Deborah Griffin, Kenneth Manuel and Dales Enos. Also, presenting a check was Arizona Cardinals, in the amount of more than 24,000 meals, based on the food and money collected at one of the season’s games to benefit the Food Bank (Read Darren Urban’s blog).

We would like to thank Gila River Casinos for a wonderful day, as well as our other sponsors SRP and US Airways. You are helping us Send Hunger Packing and we couldn’t do it without you. We would also like to thank representatives from Helping Hands, WIC, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Glendale Community Center, and D.U.C.K. for sharing their stories with our guests. And, last, but not least, we would like to thank Wind Dance Restaurant and Chef Bryan Lawlor for providing fantastic food to everyone at the event.

The summer has only begun and already we have seen a 15 percent increase in the distribution of Emergency Food Boxes. Look throughout our site to see how you can help us Send Hunger Packing.

Hunger doesn’t take a vacation.  Help St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Send Hunger Packing this summer season.

For the neediest in Arizona, summer is a difficult time.  Contrary to popular belief, the Food Bank experiences its highest demand for its services during these months.  School is out so children who rely on free or reduced lunch and breakfast at school now rely on special summer programs from Food Bank partner agencies.  Utility bills increase and gas prices continue to climb.  You can help Send Hunger Packing this summer by joining the Food Bank—we are looking for community partners to help spread the word on the reality of poverty and hunger in Arizona.

Current Activities

Rock & Box, May 20, June 24, July 29, and August 26: Perfect for individuals, teams and families, the Rock & Box volunteer nights, 5 to 9pm, will feature 98.7 the Peak.  Come rock out with The Peak at the Food Bank’s 31^st Avenue location during the summer and help the Food Bank assemble food boxes!  Visit www.FirstFoodBank.org for more information or call Volunteer Services at (602) 343-3128.

Thank you to our Summer Campaign Sponsors

Business Partners Sending Hunger Packing

First Class Ticket Donors
City of Glendale
CBIZ, Inc.
General Dynamics
Western Refining

Business Class Ticket Donors
America's Second Harvest
Andre House
APS
Bank of America
Quality Underground

Coach Class Ticket Donors
Enterprise Network Solutions
Wal-Mart #2777
University of Phoenix Stadium
Shae-Edwards Ltd. Partnership
Soroptimist International Valley of the Sun

Friends of the Food Bank
EJ Safety
Quality Underground of Arizona, Inc.
JP Morgan Chase
Field Calibrations, Inc.
Maracay Homes Arizona, LLC
Wal-Mart#3896
Arizona Milk Transport Inc.
ASCO, Inc.
Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Inc.
Eaton & Associates, Inc.
EJ Safety
Desert Palms Presbyterian Church
Phoenix Arcadia Rotary Club
Wood, Patel & Associates

If you are interested in becoming a Send Hunger Packing partner this summer, please call Stephanie Kegley at (602) 343-3151.

The Food Bank will work with you to make your efforts successful, giving your business additional exposure in the community. If you choose to hold activities that benefit the Food Bank over the summer, be included on our Web site and be highlighted on the Local First Web site. Also, have your activities included in press releases sent out by the Food Bank.