St. Mary’s Food Bank is a well-known nonprofit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to alleviating hunger in the community. Here’s some information about it:
**Mission:** St. Mary’s Food Bank’s mission is to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy, and education.
**History:** Established in 1967, St. Mary’s Food Bank has been serving the Phoenix metropolitan area and other parts of Arizona for several decades. It was founded by John van Hengel, who pioneered the concept of food banking and later helped establish the America’s Second Harvest network, which is now known as Feeding America.
**Services:** The food bank collects, sorts, and distributes food to individuals and families facing food insecurity through various programs and partner agencies. These include emergency food boxes, mobile pantries, Kids Cafe, and the Community Kitchen, which provides culinary training to individuals seeking employment in the food service industry.
**Impact:** St. Mary’s Food Bank plays a crucial role in addressing hunger in Arizona, where many individuals and families struggle to access an adequate and nutritious diet. The organization serves millions of meals each year and relies on the support of volunteers, donors, and community partners to fulfill its mission.
**Volunteer and Donation Opportunities:** Individuals and groups can support St. Mary’s Food Bank by volunteering their time to help sort and pack food, assist with distribution efforts, or participate in fundraising events. Additionally, the food bank accepts donations of non-perishable food items, as well as monetary contributions to support its operations and programs.
**Community Outreach:** In addition to providing food assistance, St. Mary’s Food Bank is actively involved in community outreach and advocacy efforts to address the root causes of hunger and promote long-term solutions. This includes initiatives to raise awareness about food insecurity, advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations, and collaborate with other organizations to maximize impact.
Overall, St. Mary’s Food Bank plays a vital role in the fight against hunger in Phoenix and throughout Arizona, providing essential resources and support to individuals and families in need.