Are you in Phoenix and experiencing food insecurity? Below we’ve featured 10 top food banks in Phoenix, Arizona.
1. St. Mary’s Food Bank
St. Mary’s Food Bank was established in Phoenix by resident John Van Hengel in 1967 after he witnessed the rampant poverty and hunger in his community. In the years since this food bank began, they have worked on a multi-pronged front to fight food insecurity. In addition to emergency food assistance, they offer culinary classes to help foster employment, community gardens, deliveries to the homebound, and free breakfast for the homeless.
You can donate or volunteer to the cause. Get in contact with a member of staff to learn more about their programs and how you can get involved.
2. Desert Mission Food Bank
For nearly a century, the volunteers at the Desert Mission Food Bank in Phoenix have been providing the nutrition local citizens require to thrive. Founded by local clergy, their programs have continued to expand to include free emergency food allotments, cooking and gardening classes, food deliveries to the elderly, and a backpack program that aims to make sure school-age children and their families have enough to eat outside of school hours.
If you want to be a part of their efforts, you can donate or volunteer online. Get in touch for any other information you would like about the food bank.
3. The Cultural Cup Food Bank
The Cultural Cup Food Bank provides for those in their community with special dietary requirements. Created by veterans nearly two decades ago, this food bank caters to people whose diets are driven by nutritional requirements dictated by disease or allergies. They also assist those who adhere to dietary restrictions based on religion or vegan choices. The food bank is open three days per week to distribute nutritious items reclaimed from larger food banks, food outlets, donations, purchases, and community gardens.
Volunteers and donations are always a welcome gesture. Contact the food bank if you are interested in becoming a part of their ongoing battle against hunger.
4. PV Community Food Bank
When churches in Phoenix found themselves struggling to feed the masses in their community, they approached the Paradise Valley (PV) Community Council for help. In 1986, members of the council began assessing the situation and established the PV Community Food Bank to address the needs of their community. The food bank has since evolved from a decentralized grassroots volunteer effort to a substantial program with a well-stocked warehouse that provides monthly food boxes to those in the Phoenix area who are experiencing food poverty.
You can get involved by volunteering or donating. If you’d like to learn more about their services or how you can help, contact information is available on their website.
5. 7th Street Food Pantry and Outreach
If you are looking for help with food insecurity in Phoenix, find your way to the 7th Street Food Pantry and Outreach. Under God Ministries began this pantry in 2016 as part of their outreach ministries. They open their doors two days per week to hand out pre-packed boxes filled with donated grocery items donated by members of the community. Those who are registered with the food bank are given first priority.
Donations and volunteers are encouraged to help further the reach of this church in its battle against food poverty. Contact a member of the church staff to learn more.
6. Nourish Phoenix
Nourish Phoenix was established in the mid-1980s by community churches in Phoenix that had a singular mission—to feed those in their area who had fallen victim to hard times. Today, they continue to offer the services that keep residents healthy. Among the resources they provide is a food pantry that is open five days per week, helps with SNAP food assistance applications, supplemental food programs for school-age children, elderly and homebound food deliveries, and food education programs.
You can become a part of the solution to food poverty with a donation or by volunteering. Contact staff if you would like to know more.
7. Mom’s Pantry
Mom’s Pantry was formed by Christian Life Outreach in 2016 to fight hunger in the Phoenix area. They are open every weekend to provide groceries pre-selected by volunteers for those who arrive to pick up supplemental nutrition. Food is sourced through community donations, reclamation efforts, community gardens, and larger food banks. Recipients are eligible for distributions every week and can get emergency food assistance during the week if needed.
Donate or volunteer to get on board with this worthy endeavor. You can contact the pantry with any further questions you may have.
8. Harvest Compassion Center
Harvest Compassion Center was established in 2011 by a parent foundation called Mitchell Swaback Charities. This food pantry is open two to three days per week with three locations within the Phoenix area to choose from. No appointment is necessary to receive groceries from their shopping style distribution centers but you’ll need proof of residence and identification to enroll in their program. Each household is allowed to visit one of the three locations once each calendar month.
Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can do so online. Get in touch with a volunteer or board member if you want to know more about this fantastic resource.
9. Joshua Tree Feeding Program
Joshua Tree Feeding Programs has been dedicated to feeding those dealing with a positive HIV/AIDS diagnosis in the Phoenix area since 1988. Recipients can visit once per month to receive groceries designed to keep them healthy while they focus on other aspects of their health. In addition to perishable and non-perishable food, the pantry offers pet food and household items key to keeping a well-nourished home.
Volunteer or donate if you’d like to become a part of this worthwhile program. Visit the pantry online to get in contact with staff.
10. Operation Care
In 2014, volunteers created a food pantry known as Operation Care in Phoenix. Since then, the staff at this center has worked to feed those suffering from food insecurity in their area. They are open two days per week to provide nutritional items to all who visit them. Though they are one of the smaller food pantries in the area, they are a powerhouse when it comes to meeting the needs of those who depend upon them for much-needed nutritional assistance.
Help this food pantry maintain its outreach in the Phoenix community by volunteering or donating. Reach out to contact someone if you need to know more.
Leave a Reply