Looking Back – Holiday Turkey Distribution 2021

The 2021 Holiday Turkey Distributions were held at our Phoenix and Surprise locations, as well as the Northern Arizona Tribal Lands of the Navajo nation and Hopi villages. For these events to successfully take place, preparation took months and more than a year of planning for St. Mary's Food Bank team.

St. Mary's Food Bank was able to successfully distribute more than 15,800 turkeys, holiday food boxes, dairy and produce bags to Arizona families in need. A record-breaking holiday distribution in the 55-year history of the World's First Food Bank. Thank you to the more than 1,000 volunteers who helped us box and distribute our holiday food as well as everyone who donated a turkey, food or funds towards this effort.

I wish you could see the joy (sometimes accompanied by tears) on their faces when they leave St. Mary’s Food Bank with a box brimming with delicious foods — and turkeys — knowing they too will be able to celebrate around the table. Truly priceless!

You are the reason for that joy. It’s only because of caring friends like you that St. Mary’s Food Bank can get food to those in need across Arizona. As the year draws to an end, we reflect on all that was accomplished this year through our staff, volunteers and donors that make this work possible. THANK YOU!