United Food Bank is bringing vital support straight to its community with its new Neighbor’s Pantry program. Arizona families and individuals experiencing food insecurity can pick up essential groceries on the last Friday of every month from United Food Bank’s Volunteer Center in Mesa.
Thanks to the organization’s Grocery Rescue program, United Food Bank can directly provide fresh, nutritious food to neighbors impacted by food insecurity. This food includes fresh produce, bakery items and more, and is free to eligible members of the community. No pre-registration is required but attendees will need to bring a valid state ID.
Over 50% of the food that United Food Bank receives regularly is through its Grocery Rescue program. This program allows United Food Bank to gather fresh, nutritious food from local grocery stores that would otherwise go to waste, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats and shelf-stable items.
“After serving over 10,000 individuals and families at our 2024 holiday distributions, a 33% increase from 2023, we saw first-hand how much food insecurity has grown within our communities,” said Jason Reed, the CEO of United Food Bank. “We wanted to find another opportunity for Arizonans in need of access to high-quality foods. Through our Neighbor’s Pantry, we can now directly serve our neighbors monthly.”
The Neighbor’s Pantry program will be held on the last Friday of each month from 9-11 a.m. at United Food Bank’s Volunteer Center, located at 358 E. Javelina Avenue in Mesa.
For more information on United Food Bank and to learn how you can help get involved to support this program, visit unitedfoodbank.org.
