Grants will expand the Emergency Food Assistance Program’s reach into rural, underserved tribal communities
WASHINGTON – Arizona Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced that the Arizona Department of Economic Security was awarded $1,052,462 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
The grants will bolster two Arizona food banks – St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and United Food Bank – to expand the Emergency Food Assistance Program’s services into tribal communities throughout Arizona.
“Today’s grants will strengthen two incredible food banks’ services to Arizonans experiencing hunger in tribal areas, expanding home mobile pantries, home deliveries, and the ability to meet the needs of these historically underserved communities,” said Sinema.
“It’s more important than ever that food and necessities are accessible to those in need, especially when Arizonans are feeling the pressure of rising costs. These grants will help food banks continue home deliveries and stock their shelves so they can better serve their communities,” said Kelly.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security will work closely with St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and United Food Bank to ensure the grants are implemented efficiently and effectively, expanding critical food security services to the Arizonans who need them most.
Specifically, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance will use the funds to establish and improve food pantries and client service centers on tribal lands, increase home deliveries and mobile pantries in tribal communities, and ensure warehouses are equipped to deliver to hard-to-reach places within the service area. United Food Bank will utilize the grants to better analyze food needs across the state and develop a strategic action plan to help Arizonans experiencing hunger.