Food For Thought and Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving only days away, many people will be heading for the grocery store. Some will be picking up entire pre-cooked meals. Others will be grabbing last minute ingredients to complete or complement the enormous meals they are preparing. Unfortunately, an estimated 77,500 Arizonans will be relying on food banks or other emergency agency rather than going to the grocery store for their holiday meal.
According to the Arizona Republic, food prices in Arizona have increased 15 percent this year. Higher prices are impacting individuals and families struggling to meet mortgage commitments and afford fuel for their daily commute if they are fortunate to have a job. The impact is also being felt at food banks and pantries who are buying and distributing food at record levels.
So this year, when you, your family members or friends celebrating the holiday with you stop by the grocery store, consider adding a can or box of extra food to your list and donating it a local food bank or even store-sponsored food box program. Even if you forget to purchase extra food, you can donate funds to any of the three food banks operating in the Phoenix metropolitan area which is put to great use through mass buying.
Among the food banks operating in the Phoenix area are:
- The Desert Mission Food Bank located at 9229 N. 4th St. in Phoenix provides food for more than 1,500 families each month. Food most often needed include: baby food/formula, peanut butter, canned meats and vegetables. Volunteers are also needed. The Food Bank is one of the Desert Mission Programs, the network of community services offered by the John C. Lincoln Health Network.
- St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, whose four Valley locations at 5605 N. 55 Avenue in Glendale, 2831 N. 31st Ave. and 4211 N. 43rd Ave. in Phoenix, and 13050 W. Elm St. in Surprise, are still hoping to receive 3,500 turkeys so that needy families can have a holiday meal. The Alliance also operates food bank in Flagstaff and a Thrift-N-Go store at 13059 W. Grand Ave. During November and December the Alliance expects to deliver 32,000 Emergency Food Boxes but they can't do it without help. In addition to donations of food and funds the Alliance also need your time and has a variety or volunteer opportunities available.
Oh! And in case giving a family going through tough times isn't motivation enough to donate, anyone donating a frozen turkey before Wednesday, November 21, 20007, will automatically be entered to win a $250 Gift Card from US Airways and, will also receive, while supplies last, a $5 off Goodwill coupon, UPS shipping coupons and a Sweet Tomatoes discount card.
- The United Food Bank at 358 E. Javelina Ave. in Mesa serves Gila and Pinal Counties, the Southern portions of Navajo and Apache Counties and the East Valley. United Food Bank is also collecting turkeys through Wednesday, November 21 at 8. p.m.
Many community programs also provide emergency food and holiday meals.
Recently, the Arizona Republic ran a story about the needs of food banks during the holiday season. One of the families profiled, with six kids and living on an acreage, sparked quite a controversy regarding the appropriate use of food banks. This controversy should not discourage people from giving to, or seeking out, food banks. These organizations provide a much needed and important service to members of the community. If you don't believe me, volunteer at one of them over this holiday season.
