Arizona is home to numerous food banks dedicated to helping those in need. Key food banks across the state include St. Mary’s Food Bank, United Food Bank, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and Midwest Food Bank of Arizona. These organizations work tirelessly to provide food assistance to individuals and families, ensuring that no one goes hungry. St. Mary’s Food Bank, for instance, is one of the largest and has multiple locations, including Phoenix and nine other counties. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona serves five counties and offers a variety of programs, from emergency food distribution to nutrition education. Midwest Food Bank in Gilbert provides food to non-profits and supports disaster relief efforts.
For those seeking assistance or looking to donate and volunteer, these food banks offer comprehensive services and opportunities to get involved in the fight against hunger.
St. Mary’s Food Bank
St. Mary’s Food Bank is one of the largest food banks in Arizona, providing critical food assistance and support programs across the state. Their mission is to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy, and education.
Location: Phoenix, Surprise, and multiple counties
- Service Counties: Apache, Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai, Yuma, La Paz
- Contact Number: 602-242-3663
- Website: St. Mary’s Food Bank
Services:
- Emergency food boxes
- Children’s feeding programs
- Job training
United Food Bank
United Food Bank serves the East Valley and eastern Arizona, working to provide food and support to those in need through a network of community partners. Their goal is to fight hunger by gathering, organizing, and distributing food, and providing nutrition education.
Location: Mesa and surrounding areas
- Service Counties: Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, southern Apache, southern Navajo
- Contact Number: 480-926-4897
- Website: United Food Bank
Services:
- Emergency food distribution
- Mobile pantries
- Community programs
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona supports communities in the southern part of the state with a range of services designed to address hunger and food insecurity. They provide food distribution, education, and community development programs.
Location: Tucson, Green Valley, Nogales, and other areas
- Service Counties: Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Santa Cruz
- Contact Number: 520-622-0525
- Website: Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Services:
- Food distribution
- Nutrition education
- Community kitchen
Midwest Food Bank of Arizona
Midwest Food Bank of Arizona provides food to non-profit organizations across the state, ensuring that those in need receive essential nutrition. They also offer disaster relief and various community support programs.
Location: Gilbert
- Service Counties: Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai
- Contact Number: 480-892-0134
- Website: Midwest Food Bank of Arizona
Services:
- Food distribution to non-profits
- Disaster relief
- Hope Packs program
Other Food Banks and Pantries
- Yarnell Food Bank
Serving the community of Yarnell, this food bank provides essential food resources to local residents, ensuring access to nutritious meals.- Location: Yarnell
- Service Counties: Yavapai
- Contact Number: 928-427-6559
- Services: Food distribution on Fridays
- Winslow Council on Aging
Located in Winslow, this organization supports seniors and other community members with food boxes and meal programs.- Location: Winslow
- Service Counties: Navajo
- Contact Number: 928-289-3341
- Services: Food boxes on Mon, Wed, Fri
- Willcox Community Food Pantry
The Willcox Community Food Pantry offers food distribution services to residents of Willcox and surrounding areas, helping to alleviate hunger and food insecurity.- Location: Willcox
- Service Counties: Cochise, Graham
- Contact Number: 520-766-1621
- Services: Food distribution on Mon, Wed, Fri
- White Mountain Community Food Bank
Serving the White Mountain area, this food bank provides crucial food resources to local communities, supporting families and individuals in need.- Location: Pinetop-Lakeside
- Service Counties: Navajo, Apache
- Contact Number: 928-367-2244
- Services: Food distribution on 1st and 3rd Mon
- West Valley Community Food Pantry
Located in Glendale, the West Valley Community Food Pantry helps local residents with food distribution services, ensuring access to nutritious meals.- Location: Glendale
- Service Counties: Maricopa
- Contact Number: 623-848-8278
- Services: Food distribution on Mon, Wed, Thu
- Vineyard Food and Clothing Bank
This food and clothing bank in Glendale provides essential resources to those in need, offering both food and clothing distribution services.- Location: Glendale
- Service Counties: Maricopa
- Contact Number: 623-934-4000
- Services: Food distribution on multiple days
How Arizona Food Banks Operate
Arizona food banks operate through a coordinated network of regional and local organizations that collect, store, and distribute food to individuals and families in need. These food banks receive donations from various sources, including food manufacturers, grocery stores, community food drives, and individual donations. They work with volunteers and staff to sort, package, and distribute food through a network of partner agencies such as pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and schools. The Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN) plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts and resources among the state’s food banks to maximize their reach and impact.
How to Donate to Food Banks in Arizona
- Monetary Donations: Donations of money can be made directly through food bank websites, allowing them to purchase food in bulk at discounted rates.
- Food Donations: Non-perishable food items can be donated at designated drop-off locations, community food drives, or directly at food bank facilities.
- Host a Food Drive: Organize a food drive in your community, workplace, or school to collect food items for local food banks.
- Corporate Donations: Businesses can donate surplus food or funds, often receiving tax benefits and public recognition for their contributions.
- Volunteer Time: Donating your time to help sort, package, and distribute food is a valuable way to support food banks.
Importance of Arizona Food Banks
Food banks in Arizona play a critical role in alleviating hunger and food insecurity across the state. They provide essential support to vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and low-income families, by ensuring access to nutritious food. This support helps improve overall health and well-being, reduces stress, and allows individuals to focus on other important aspects of their lives, such as education and employment. Additionally, food banks contribute to community resilience by fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual aid among residents. Their efforts not only address immediate food needs but also advocate for long-term solutions to hunger and poverty.