St. Mary’s Food Bank was founded in 1967 by John van Hengel in Phoenix, Arizona, making it the world’s first food bank. John was a volunteer at a local soup kitchen when he realized that grocery stores, restaurants, and other food retailers often discarded perfectly edible food due to minor imperfections or because it was nearing its expiration date. This revelation sparked the idea of collecting surplus food and redistributing it to those who needed it most.
What began as a small operation quickly grew into a large-scale organization that became a model for food banks around the world. Today, St. Mary’s Food Bank partners with thousands of food donors, including grocery stores, farms, and restaurants, to provide millions of pounds of food to individuals and families across Arizona.
Mission and Vision
The mission of St. Mary’s Food Bank is to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy, and education. This mission underscores the organization’s commitment not just to feed people, but to empower them.
St. Mary’s vision extends beyond hunger relief. It aims to create a community where no one goes hungry and where all individuals have access to the resources they need to live healthy, productive lives. The food bank believes that food insecurity should not stand in the way of anyone’s ability to thrive and contribute to society.
How St. Mary’s Food Bank Operates
St. Mary’s Food Bank operates with the help of a vast network of donors, volunteers, partner agencies, and corporate sponsors. Its food distribution efforts rely on several key steps to ensure that surplus food reaches those in need.
- Food Sourcing: St. Mary’s sources food from a variety of contributors, including local grocery stores, food manufacturers, and farms. Donations also come from community food drives, individuals, and businesses. This network helps gather millions of pounds of food each year.
- Sorting and Packaging: Once the food arrives at St. Mary’s facilities, volunteers and staff sort through the donations to ensure quality and safety. The food is then packaged into boxes or made available for bulk distribution, depending on the needs of partner agencies or individuals.
- Distribution: St. Mary’s Food Bank distributes food in multiple ways. Partner agencies such as shelters, pantries, and soup kitchens receive regular shipments, while individuals can receive food directly from St. Mary’s emergency food pantries or mobile pantries.
- Outreach: In addition to providing food, St. Mary’s also conducts outreach programs to raise awareness of food insecurity and advocate for policies that support hunger relief.
Programs and Services Offered
4.1 Emergency Food Distribution
St. Mary’s Food Bank offers emergency food boxes to individuals and families facing immediate hunger. These boxes contain non-perishable items such as canned vegetables, pasta, and rice, as well as fresh produce, bread, and dairy products when available.
The Emergency Food Distribution Centers are open throughout the week, making it convenient for those in need to access food. For many families, these food boxes are a lifeline, helping them get through difficult times when money is tight.
4.2 Kids Café Program
Children are often among the most vulnerable to food insecurity. St. Mary’s Kids Café Program provides free, healthy meals and snacks to children at after-school programs, community centers, and other youth organizations. These meals are designed to meet nutritional guidelines, ensuring that children receive the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
This program is essential for children who may not have access to sufficient food at home, especially during the summer months when school meal programs are unavailable.
4.3 Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen Program is one of the most innovative services offered by St. Mary’s. It is a culinary training program that helps individuals develop the skills needed for employment in the foodservice industry. Participants receive hands-on training in a real kitchen environment, learning everything from food preparation to kitchen safety.
Upon completion of the program, graduates are equipped with the skills and certifications necessary to find jobs in restaurants, catering companies, and other foodservice establishments. This program not only addresses hunger but also helps individuals gain self-sufficiency through meaningful employment.
4.4 Senior Nutrition Programs
Food insecurity among seniors is a growing concern, and St. Mary’s Food Bank recognizes the unique needs of this population. The Senior Nutrition Programs provide free or low-cost food boxes to seniors who may have limited mobility or resources. These food boxes contain easy-to-prepare meals and are designed to meet the dietary needs of older adults.
In addition to providing food, St. Mary’s partners with other organizations to offer wellness checks and provide information on community services available to seniors.
4.5 Mobile Pantries
One of the most effective ways St. Mary’s Food Bank reaches underserved populations is through its Mobile Pantry Program. These mobile units travel to different neighborhoods across Arizona, bringing food directly to areas where residents may not have access to traditional food pantries.
The mobile pantries distribute fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and other staples, ensuring that individuals in remote or rural areas have access to nutritious food. This program is particularly important in areas where grocery stores or food distribution centers are scarce.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the backbone of St. Mary’s Food Bank. Whether you’re an individual, family, or group, there are countless ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact. Here are some of the most popular volunteer opportunities:
- Food Sorting and Packaging: Volunteers help sort donated food and prepare it for distribution. This involves checking expiration dates, ensuring food quality, and organizing items into boxes.
- Community Kitchen: Volunteers assist with meal preparation in the Community Kitchen, helping to create nutritious meals for families and individuals in need.
- Event Assistance: St. Mary’s Food Bank hosts various fundraising and community events throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to help with event setup, registration, and other tasks.
- Mobile Pantry Support: Volunteers can assist at mobile pantry sites by distributing food and helping with setup and breakdown.
How to Become a Volunteer
To become a volunteer, simply visit St. Mary’s Food Bank’s website and sign up for an orientation session. Whether you have a few hours a week or want to dedicate more time, your contributions will have a direct impact on the community.
How to Donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank
There are several ways to donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank, each of which plays a crucial role in helping to alleviate hunger in Arizona:
1. Monetary Donations
Monetary donations are one of the most effective ways to support St. Mary’s. The food bank can stretch each dollar to provide multiple meals to those in need. You can donate online through their website or mail a check to their office.
2. Food Donations
Non-perishable food items are always in demand at St. Mary’s Food Bank. Some of the most needed items include:
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Peanut butter
- Canned soups and stews
- Rice and pasta
- Boxed cereals
Food donations can be dropped off at any of St. Mary’s distribution centers or during one of their community food drives.
3. Corporate and Community Partnerships
Many local businesses and corporations partner with St. Mary’s Food Bank by hosting food drives, offering financial support, or providing volunteers. Companies can also participate in matching gift programs, where they match their employees’ donations to double the impact.
Impact on the Arizona Community
St. Mary’s Food Bank has had a tremendous impact on the state of Arizona. Each year, millions of pounds of food are distributed to individuals and families in need. Beyond providing food, St. Mary’s has helped raise awareness of food insecurity, advocate for hunger relief policies, and provide job training to help people gain employment and achieve self-sufficiency.
The food bank has become a vital resource for low-income families, seniors, children, and the homeless. Through its various programs, St. Mary’s has not only fed the hungry but has empowered individuals and strengthened communities across Arizona.
Locations and Hours of Operation
Here are the main locations of St. Mary’s Food Bank and their operating hours:
Main Distribution Center – Phoenix
Address:
2831 N 31st Ave,
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Surprise Location
Address:
13050 W Elm St,
Surprise, AZ 85378
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Flagstaff Location
Address:
1800 S Milton Rd,
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Mobile Pantry Locations
For mobile pantry locations and schedules, please visit St. Mary’s Food Bank website or contact their hotline for the most up-to-date information.
FAQ
1. How do I qualify to receive food from St. Mary’s Food Bank?
There are no specific qualifications to receive food from St. Mary’s. Anyone in need can visit one of their emergency food distribution centers or mobile pantries.
2. Can I donate fresh food to St. Mary’s Food Bank?
Yes, St. Mary’s accepts fresh food donations, including fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items. Please contact them for guidelines on fresh food donations.
3. How can my company get involved with St. Mary’s Food Bank?
Companies can host food drives, sponsor events, or provide financial support. Corporate volunteer opportunities are also available. Contact St. Mary’s for more information on corporate partnerships.
4. Are there any volunteer opportunities for children?
Yes, children can volunteer with parental supervision. St. Mary’s offers family-friendly volunteer shifts, making it a great way for families to give back together.
5. How does St. Mary’s Food Bank ensure food safety?
St. Mary’s Food Bank adheres to strict food safety guidelines. All donated food is inspected, sorted, and stored in accordance with safety regulations to ensure it is safe for distribution.
St. Mary’s Food Bank plays a critical role in combating hunger across Arizona. Through a combination of food distribution, community outreach, and innovative programs, they are helping to create a future where no one goes hungry. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, your support can help make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
