Valley deli goes extra mile to feed first responders during COVID-19 outbreak

PHOENIX — Even while local businesses are hurting, some are still going the extra mile for first responders during the coronavirus outbreak.

Phoenix-based Miracle Mile Deli got word firefighters were struggling to find their daily dose of groceries while on duty, so they stepped up.

“I figured, well lets give them an opportunity to come out and enjoy a meal on us so they don’t have to worry about cooking,” Josh Garcia, Miracle Mile’s vice president, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.

His family has fed Phoenix for more than 70 years.

“I felt like it was time for us to give back,” Garcia said.

They fed the Phoenix fire stations that surround their family owned and operated deli located near 16th Street and Camelback Road.

Crews from Phoenix Fire Department’s stations 61, 20, 17 and 12 got to pick whatever they wanted off the menu and then some.

Garica considers the firefighters friends and appreciates their service, especially during these unprecedented times with the coronavirus outbreak.

Considering Phoenix firefighters work 24 hours on duty and have 48 hours off. Garcia wanted to make sure the two other shift crews that weren’t on duty would be fed too. So he made sure to take care of them for the future.

“I gave each shift a $100 gift card to ensure no one was left out, if they went over the $100 by all means I’m just going to comp their meals,” Garcia added.

Miracle Mile Deli hopes to reach more fire stations over the next few days, but invites first responders to enjoy a meal on them whenever they are in the area.

“Just as the local community has embraced our family business for 7 decades, we are trying to do our part to support those who protect our community,” the deli said in a statement.

Miracle Mile is now into its third generation of service to the Valley.

Josh Garcia’s grandfather started the businesses in the ’40s.

“It’s just nice to be able to see all this positive stuff happening in our community locally, considering what’s happening on all this negative connotation on a global level, Garcia added.

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