Hunger does not take a season off

When people think about hunger relief, many picture the holiday season. They imagine food drives around Thanksgiving or generous meals shared in December. While that support is deeply meaningful, hunger does not begin and end with the holidays. For many families across the East Valley, the need for food support exists every single day of the year.

At AZCEND, the Food Bank program works year round to ensure neighbors have access to nutritious food and compassionate support when they need it most. Thanks to volunteers, donors and community partners, 1,053,939 meals were provided through the food bank, 36,220 meals were delivered to homebound neighbors and 19,656 meals were served at AZCEND Senior Centers last year. Behind those numbers are real people, real families and a community that continues to show up for one another.

One Food Bank participant recently shared this message of gratitude. Notes like this remind us that Food Bank support helps families stretch resources, reduce stress and maintain stability during challenging times.

Two longtime volunteers, Becky and Jean, see this impact up close. Their experiences reflect the heart of AZCEND’s hunger relief efforts and the power of community support.

Finding purpose through service

Becky and her husband Neil began volunteering after retiring and moving to Arizona. Service had always been important to them, and they wanted to continue helping others in their new community. They quickly found a home at AZCEND.

“Everybody there was just so welcoming,” Becky shared. “They just put us right to work, and that is probably the thing I like the best. You feel like you are actually doing something because you are.”

Becky and Neil often help stock shelves, organize food and support distribution. Over time, Becky has also witnessed the gratitude and dignity that shape the AZCEND experience.

“They treat everybody the same,” she said. “They do not make people feel inadequate. They are all there to help people who need the help.”

That welcoming culture begins with strong leadership and a dedicated team. Volunteers often credit Food Bank Manager Paula Knight for creating an environment centered on compassion and respect for both participants and volunteers.

A decade of showing up

Jean has been volunteering with AZCEND for nearly ten years. After retiring from a career in purchasing with Chandler Unified School District, she knew she wanted to stay active and continue giving back.

“I just enjoy it,” Jean said. “I enjoy being around the other volunteers and making sure things get done and flow smoothly.”

Jean has supported nearly every part of Food Bank operations. From helping clients load groceries into their cars to assisting with backend reporting and logistics, she steps in wherever she is needed. She has also experienced meaningful connections with participants.

She recalls helping a woman who was leaving an unsafe relationship and needed food for herself and her dog. Jean helped her select shelf stable food and locate pet food donations.

“Sometimes people just need someone to listen,” Jean said. “You try to do something that makes their day better.”

Moments like this highlight how food support is about more than nutrition. It is about stability, dignity and hope during difficult transitions.

Why year round support matters

Both Becky and Jean have seen the growing need for food assistance in the East Valley. Rising food costs, medical challenges and unexpected life events can quickly create financial strain for families. Hunger can affect anyone, and it often appears suddenly.

Becky puts it simply. “People are hungry year round. It does not stop around the holiday season.”

Jean has also witnessed the increase in demand firsthand, noting that client numbers continue to grow and supplies can diminish quickly after seasonal giving campaigns end. Community food drives, volunteer support and financial donations ensure shelves remain stocked and services remain available.

Programs like AZCEND’s Food Bank also reduce barriers by meeting families where they are. Volunteers and staff work to accommodate family size, dietary needs when possible and accessible options for neighbors who rely on public transportation or walking to receive support. The program also distributes pet food when donations allow, helping families care for beloved animals while maintaining their own food security.

How the community can help

The strength of AZCEND’s Food Bank comes directly from community involvement. Volunteers like Becky and Jean remind us that every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

“You do not have to volunteer 40 hours a week,” Becky said. “Just make a little time for it. If you can do it, just get in there and do it.”

There are many ways to support hunger relief efforts throughout the year:

Volunteer your time: AZCEND relies on volunteers to sort food, assist with distribution, support deliveries and help with operations. Learn more and sign up

Host a food drive: Community groups, workplaces, schools, fitness centers and more can organize food drives that help keep shelves stocked. Learn how to get started You can also contact Development Coordinator Misty at misty@azcend.org for guidance.

Support families through donations: Financial gifts allow AZCEND to purchase essential food items and sustain year round programming. Donors can also learn about monthly giving Arizona taxpayers may also be eligible to support AZCEND through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit (QCO Code: 20491) and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their taxes.

Share resources: If you or someone you know needs food assistance in the East Valley, AZCEND’s Food Bank is here to help. Learn more about services and eligibility

Gratitude for a community that cares

The AZCEND Food Bank exists because of a community that believes neighbors should not face hunger alone. Volunteers give their time, donors provide critical resources and partners help expand reach and impact.

Jean reflects this spirit best. “That is my mission. That is what it is all about. We have to take care of each other.”

Together, we can ensure families across the East Valley continue to have access to nutritious food, compassionate support and the stability they deserve.