The San Carlos Apache Tribe declared a state of emergency on July 12 after the Watch Fire burned through its community. In response, East Valley-based United Food Bank launched an emergency initiative that day to support the urgent need for food and water distribution to the victims of the Watch Fire and the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
Through its emergency initiative, Mesa-based United Food Bank is continuing to provide extra food supplies through its USDA and Pantry+ programs to meet the increased demand, which offers a cumulation of food products requested by San Carlos Apache Tribe. Additionally, United Food Bank has also ensured that all impacted residents have access to clean drinking water and has delivered its emergency food boxes of nonperishable foods to those unable to access the regular distribution points.
The Watch Fire in eastern Arizona is 100% contained now after burning over 2,000 acres and destroying almost 20 homes. It began burning on July 10 in San Carlos and has devastated the community, displaced families and disrupted access to essential resources, leaving 75 people homeless and over 400 people who were forced to quickly evacuate.
United Food Bank, who works to assist Arizonans struggling from food insecurity in the East Valley and eastern Arizona, addressed the urgent needs by enhancing the distribution of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a USDA commodity food program, to ensure affected families receive shelf-stable nutritious food.
The local food bank is working alongside Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Red Cross Arizona, the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s food distribution center, and its local agency partner, Abiding Ministries to get these resources to those in need. In addition, United Food Bank received an immediate response donation and volunteers from Resolution Copper to support this initiative.
“Our hearts go out to the San Carlos Apache Tribe and all those affected by the Watch Fire,” said Jason Reed, CEO of United Food Bank. “We appreciate the immediate donation from Resolution Cooper to support the San Carlos community and the assistance of Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Red Cross Arizona, Abiding Ministries, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s food distribution center for coming together to quickly get these resources out to the individuals and families in need.”
To learn more about United Food Bank and to help provide emergency food and water assistance, visit unitedfoodbank.
