A proud supporter of food banks across Arizona, Wells Fargo is pleased to announce it is conducting its annual summer statewide food drive July 16 to Aug. 3. The event collects donations for food banks that span the entire state and remains the only statewide food drive held in Arizona– with collection bins in all Wells Fargo Community Banking stores throughout the state.

Donations will benefit members of the Association of Arizona Food Banks, which collectively distributed over 131 million pounds of food last year – a record and enough to provide 299,000 meals every day through 1,600 sites. People who wish to donate cash can send checks to the Association of Arizona Food Banks, 2100 N. Central Ave., Ste. 230, Phoenix, Ariz. 85004. Donations also may be made online at www.azfoodbanks.org.

“Our statewide food drive has become an annual Arizona Wells Fargo tradition that all of our team members look forward to,” said Pam Conboy, regional president for Wells Fargo Regional Banking in Arizona. “Last summer we collected 60 tons of food, equivalent to over 109,000 meals, and I am confident our efforts this year will continue strong. As America’s and Arizona’s Community Bank, Wells Fargo is committed to supporting our communities everywhere – and  I know our great team  will do all we can to help provide food to so many in need throughout Arizona.”

Needs of families and individuals around the state continue to be strong, according to the Association of Arizona Food Banks:

  • 1 in 5 (21%) of Arizonans live in poverty ($22,350 or less for a family of four)
  • 1 in 4 (25%) of Arizona children under the age of 18 live in poverty
  • 19% of Arizonans, including 29% of our children, are food insecure and do not have enough to eat
  • 1 in 3 Arizonans are considered “working poor” and may not always have enough to eat

“Almost one in five Arizonans struggles with hunger, and the record levels of demand at our food banks indicates just how many of our friends and neighbors are in need, said Ginny Hildebrand, President and CEO of the Association of Arizona Food Banks. “Food banks throughout Arizona are pleased to once again partner with Wells Fargo on this annual food drive, especially during the summer months when food donations slow down tremendously. It is companies like Wells Fargo that truly can make an impactful difference.”

For more information on Arizona food banks, visit www.azfoodbanks.org.