From Horse Stall to the Heart of Amado: Volunteers Powering the Resource Center

Tags: Amado, Food Bank, Volunteers

When Arturo began volunteering at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s Amado Resource Center (ARC) in 1989, the building was little more than “a horse stall.” But that didn’t stop him from showing up—and staying. For over three decades, Arturo has been a steady, welcoming presence for neighbors along the I-19 corridor and as far west as Arivaca.

Why do some travel so far? “They feel comfortable with us,” he says. “That’s why.”

“Helping the people” is what keeps Arturo coming back. “Seeing their faces when they’re getting food, especially when you know the need is there,” is his favorite part of checking people in.

Arturo’s impact goes beyond his friendly demeanor. Raised on a nearby ranch, he’s brought his agricultural know-how to the ARC, transforming its grounds into a small orchard. “We have a guava plant, lemons, oranges, apples, grapes,” he says. “We tell people to go out there and pick everything they want.”

The story of the Amado Food Bank began in 1988 when three dedicated residents started distributing salvaged food and produce out of the “horse stall”, a pre-1900s era building. In 1997, the Amado Food Bank joined forces with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona as a branch bank to ensure a more stable supply of food to the community. On May 5, 2002, Cinco de Mayo, the Amado Community Food Bank celebrated the grand opening of its new, and current facility at 28720 S. Nogales Highway.

Arturo is not the only familiar face to the ARC’s monthly visitors. Karen began volunteering about 15 years ago and loves what she does. “I feel like I’m doing something useful, and the people are so nice,” she says.

While she’s talking about the visitors, her words apply just as well to the staff and volunteers who make the ARC feel like home. “When we’ve done questionnaires, people always say they come here, even if they don’t live here, because the people that work here are so friendly. And everybody is,” she smiles.

Food distribution takes place every Thursday between 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Currently, the ARC serves between 1200 and 1500 individuals a month with emergency food.

Due to rising food costs and an overall increase in cost of living, Karen feels that more people are coming in for the first time. “They’re apprehensive when they first come,” she says. “But they usually leave smiling.”

Ready to make a difference? Volunteer with us at ARC or any our programs.