St. Mary’s Food Bank assisting Arizona families impacted by shutdown

PHOENIX – With the partial government shutdown in its third week, St. Mary’s Food Bank is doing what it can to provide for the families of federal workers in Arizona who need help.

“We know that there are federal employees out there that live paycheck to paycheck, and they have stopped receiving their paychecks at this point and things like food become a priority,” St. Mary’s spokesman Jerry Brown told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

The Phoenix-based nonprofit already has shipped 150 emergency food boxes to assist families of Grand Canyon National Park workers who have been furloughed during the shutdown, with more to come.

“We’re just getting a handle on exactly how much we’re going to need for the second load, especially if the shutdown continues into next week,” Brown said.

St. Mary’s, which serves nine Arizona counties, including the Phoenix area, also expects to see an influx of other families affected by the shutdown seeking help.

For people new to the process of using a food bank, Brown suggested starting at one of St. Mary’s main locations: 3131 W. Thomas Road in Phoenix or 13050 W. Elm St. in Surprise.

“That can get you started off,” he said. “You’ll get food right away.

“And then we can also kind of figure out where you live and where the location is for a St. Mary’s partner agency closest to your home so you can continue to receive food.”

St. Mary’s has more than 500 partner locations in Arizona.

Information about using St. Mary’s services or how to donate cash or supplies can be obtained online or by calling 602-242-FOOD.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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