The holiday season is a time when the spirit of giving and sharing takes center stage, and one of the most impactful ways to embody this ethos is by supporting food drives in Arizona. The following are five food drives that you can support this year (and beyond).
AZCEND
Chandler
A vital pillar of support for the local Chandler community, AZCEND works tirelessly to combat hunger and food insecurity in the city, ensuring that no one goes without a meal. The food bank is currently looking for donations to ensure that everyone in Chandler can enjoy a joyful and well-fed holiday season. These contributions include non-perishable food items, funds or your time as a volunteer. The food drive in Arizona is also currently looking for individuals to help pass out holiday food boxes on Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, with Thanksgiving meal kits and Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon, for Christmas meals. For more information, visit azcend.org.
Hope for Hunger
Glendale
Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Hope for Hunger program is dedicated to fighting hunger in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They provide food boxes, hot meals and support to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. Your contribution to Hope for Hunger can help put food on the table and provide hope for those in need. The food pantry accepts donations during open hours, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon. These products include fruits, vegetables, canned goods, meats, dairy products and more. For more information, visit phoenixrescuemission.org.
St. Mary’s Food Bank
Phoenix/Virtual
One of the largest food banks in the nation, St. Mary’s Food Bank is on a mission to end hunger in Arizona. You can support its cause by participating in fundraising campaigns, including its current food drive, World Series – Strike Out Hunger, in collaboration with Arizona Diamondbacks. Every dollar donated to the food bank will provide our neighbors with enough food for five meals this holiday season (and beyond). The fundraiser will only end once it reaches its goal of $50,000. For more information, visit fundraise.stmarysfoodbank.org.
First Food Bank
East Valley
In collaboration with St. Mary’s Food Bank, First Food Bank, which serves the East Valley of Phoenix, is committed to reducing hunger in the region with a Super Saturday Turkey Drive. This food drive in Arizona will take place on Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., where volunteers can donate turkeys, non-perishable Thanksgiving dinner sides and cash donations. This drive will take place at Albertsons, Safeway and St. Mary’s Food Bank locations in the East Valley. For more information, visit firstfoodbank.org.
Extended Hands Food Bank
Fountain Hills
Support the East Valley community with Extended Hands Food Bank this year. This charitable organization depends on the generosity of people to aid those in need in our community and is looking for donations to help end hunger. The food bank in Arizona currently needs food-based donations, including small cereal boxes, fruit, meals in a can, peanut butter and jelly, canned beans, cream of mushroom soup and canned vegetables. These items can be dropped off at its donation center in Fountain Hills on Monday, from 9 to 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday, from 3 to 5:45 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday, from 9 to 10:45 a.m. For more information, visit ehfb.org.
Crisco’s Kids
Phoenix
Join forces with Josh Carmona, also known as “Crisco Kidd,” and radio hall of famer Jammin’ Jimmy Olson this holiday season as they unite for the 17th Annual Ton of Toys and Food Drive. Dedicated to making a difference in the community, their mission is to ensure every child enjoys a warm meal and receives a gift this holiday season. To help, donors can purchase food and toy items from Walmart on West Indian School Road from a predetermined wish list. The items will then be distributed to beneficiaries, including UMOM New Day Centers, Who I Am Foundation, Mindful Wellness and St. Mary’s Food Bank. The toy and food drive will take place on Thursday, Dec. 14, and Friday, Dec. 15, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 16, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 17, from 8 to 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.criscoskids.org.