For 1st time, St. Mary’s Food Bank distributes turkeys and hams for Easter

PHOENIX — St. Mary’s Food Bank surprised hundreds of Arizona families in need with full Easter turkeys or hams on Wednesday.

“Our hope today is that we’re able to provide an Easter meal for folks who are feeling a little stressed — and a great opportunity to bring their families and friends together for an awesome meal,” said Milt Liu, president and CEO of the Valley nonprofit.

It was the first time St. Mary’s handed out turkeys and hams for Easter. It typically distributes those items only for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

While the food bank will often give out eggs for the spring holiday, Liu said there weren’t enough donations this year due to high prices and shortages caused by the avian flu.

“So that was another reason (for the turkeys and hams). Since we couldn’t do eggs this year, what else could we do to help folks celebrate for the holiday?” Liu said.

How many turkeys and hams did St. Mary’s Food Bank distribute?

The food bank distributed approximately 2,000 turkeys and hams Wednesday on top of its usual provisions at its two locations in Phoenix and Surprise.

“It’s going to be a very blessed day,” said an elderly man named Alfredo, who received food in Phoenix. “It’s going to be a beautiful Easter Sunday. We’re going to celebrate. We don’t have too many of those.”

St. Mary’s is still accepting donations of citrus fruit through the end of April. More information about donating is available at the food bank’s website.

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