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…

AZCEND earns Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2026

At AZCEND, your trust matters. Every meal served, every family supported and every life strengthened begins with a community that believes in showing up for one another. That is why we are honored to share that AZCEND has once again earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2026, the highest level of recognition for…

A fresh start looks different for everyone

The start of a new year often brings a sense of possibility. It’s a time when many of us pause, reflect and think about what lies ahead. We make plans. We set intentions. We imagine what this next chapter might hold. But fresh starts don’t always come with clear roadmaps. Sometimes, they arrive quietly. Through…

AZCEND Celebrates the 2025 Subaru Share the Love® Campaign

AZCEND is thrilled to once again participate in the national Subaru Share the Love® Event, partnering with Subaru of America and Meals on Wheels America to bring comfort, connection and nourishment to seniors in our community. Each year, this generous campaign lifts up our Home Delivered Meals program and Senior Centers—programs that are a lifeline for…

Empty Bowls returns to fill hearts and tables

Hunger continues to affect far too many of our neighbors—right here in Maricopa County, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 7 seniors don’t have enough food to eat (Valley of the Sun United Way). On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Chandler-Gilbert Community College will host the 12th annual Empty Bowls event, bringing our community together…

Kathy Tilque receives Tracey Washington Spirit Award

Kathy Tilque has been selected to receive the 2025 Tracey Washington Spirit Award from AZCEND in honor of her service to the community. Tracey Washington served as the Food Bank Manager at AZCEND for 14 years changing the lives of many in our community. Tracey respected people, understood people and was committed to serving people.…

AZCEND earns Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency again

At AZCEND, transparency isn’t just a value—it’s how we build trust with our neighbors, partners and supporters. That’s why we’re proud to share that AZCEND has once again earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition for nonprofit accountability. This recognition places AZCEND among fewer than 1% of nonprofits in the…

Twelve little grads are doing great BIG things at AZCEND

On Friday, May 16, twelve students graduated from AZCEND’s premier Giggles, Squiggles & Squirms (GSS) early literacy program that empowers children to succeed in Kindergarten and in life. Children ages 3-5 learn the letters of the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, patterns and much more. GSS nurtures literacy, language, fine motor skills, social-emotional learning and problem-solving. Each…

AZCEND opens nominations for Tracey Washington Spirit Award

AZCEND is thrilled to present the Tracey Washington Spirit Award as part of our 9th Annual Spirit of AZCEND Gala celebration. Tracey served as the Food Bank Manager at AZCEND for 14 years making a difference in our community. Tracey respected people, understood people and was committed to serving people. The significant impact he made…

AZCEND Celebrates the 2024 Subaru Share the Love Events

In celebration of the 2024 Subaru Share the Love® Event, AZCEND is reaching volunteers serving in the Chandler Food Bank and the Home Delivered Meals program with an opportunity to alleviate hunger among seniors. “Our volunteers have the biggest hearts and make a real difference in our community,” stated AZCEND’s CEO, Trinity Donovan. Last year,…

Empty Bowls events to benefit hungry neighbors

In Maricopa County, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 7 seniors don’t have enough food to eat. (Valley of the Sun United Way) Chandler Gilbert Community College will stimulate awareness of hunger by hosting its 11th annual Empty Bowls event on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Participants can select a one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramic…

AZCEND honors Frank Narducci with 2024 Tracey Washington Spirit Award

Frank Narducci has been selected to receive the 2024 Tracey Washington Spirit Award from AZCEND in honor of his service to the community. Tracey Washington served as the Food Bank Manager at AZCEND for 14 years changing the lives of many in our community. Tracey respected people, understood people and was committed to serving people.…

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