Wells Fargo will be conducting its annual summer statewide food drive June 9-23. The event collects donations for food banks that span the entire state with collection bins in all 260 Wells Fargo Community Banking stores throughout Arizona.
Donations will benefit members of the Association of Arizona Food Banks. In 2014, Arizona food banks collectively distributed 127 million pounds of food – equivalent to 105.8 million meals, reaching Arizonans in need at 1,200 sites statewide. People who wish to donate cash can send checks to their local food banks or to the Association of Arizona Food Banks whose mission is to deliver food and quality services to food banks and to foster relationships in support of their commitment to eliminate hunger. Donations may be made online at http://www.azfoodbanks.org or sent to 2100 N. Central Ave., Ste. 230, Phoenix, Ariz. 85004.
“This the eighth year we have held our annual Statewide Summer Food Drive to benefit Arizona food banks and it’s something our team members look forward to,” said Pam Conboy, lead regional president for Wells Fargo in Arizona. “Last summer we collected 39,328 pounds of food, equivalent to providing 66,124 meals, and we hope to collect even more this year.”
The needs of families and individuals around the state continue to be strong, according to the Association of Arizona Food Banks:
- Nearly 1 in 5 Arizonans (1.16 million people) live in poverty
- More than 1 in 4 of Arizona children (28% – an estimated 454,460 children) suffer from food insecurity
- Arizona ranked 8th highest in the nation for individuals living in poverty, and 11th highest for children in 2013.
“We’re so proud to once again partner with Wells Fargo for this food drive,” said Angie Rodgers, president and CEO of the Association of Arizona Food Banks. “They have been a tremendous supporter and community partner for a long time, and this food drive comes at a critical time for food banks throughout Arizona experiencing strong demand for services over the summer months.”
