Valley food bank launches monthlong ‘Stock the Pantry’ campaign Wednesday

PHOENIX — Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Hope for Hunger Food Bank kicks off its monthlong “Stock the Pantry” drive Wednesday to support families suffering from food insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

People can bring dry and canned food to the organization’s location in Glendale or donate to the cause online.

“One in eight Arizona households rely on food banks to feed their families; meaning, many of our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet right now,” Ken Brissa, Phoenix Rescue Mission CEO, said in the release.

“Families that never dreamed of needing help with food are finding themselves outside our doors. There’s no telling how many more will need help in the weeks and months ahead.”

Staff of the organization will quickly distribute the food and resources to high-demand regions of the Valley via mobile food pantries, according to the release, bypassing the transportation barriers that have kept families from receiving food and resources they need.

“We are acutely aware of the fact that the Valley has many food deserts, where there’s not only a lack of food in the regions but most families living there don’t even have transportation to get to a food pantry,” Brissa said.

“That’s where we come in. We’ve targeted several regions where we can set up shop in those neighborhoods and get this food to those who need it most. But we can’t do that without the help from the public, and that’s what Stock the Pantry is all about – raising awareness of the need and motivating the public into action.”

The food drive is part of a nationwide campaign known as Hunger Action Month by Feeding America, according to the release, which aims to raise awareness of the millions who aren’t getting the proper amount of food they need.

The Hope for Hunger Food Bank, one of the largest in the Valley, serves more than 150 people per day while also helping struggling families with groceries and hygiene supplies at the organization’s community market, Brissa said in the release.

In addition to food assistance, the Phoenix Rescue Mission also provides job training and helps with required certifications and education as well as counseling and other resources, according to the release.

Arizona, prior to the pandemic, had the 3rd highest poverty rate among the 25 largest metro areas in the country, according to the release, with one in five children suffering from hunger.

That number is expected to grow as the pandemic continues to impact the local community, according to the release.

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