Celebrating 50 Years of Impact
From Humble Beginnings to a Regional Lifeline
When the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (CFB) first opened its doors in January of 1976, it had one employee, one volunteer, and one single donated delivery truck. Its mission was simple but urgent: to address hunger locally. What its three founders could not have predicted was how significantly the organization would grow alongside the community it serves.
CFB has evolved from a modest warehouse on 4th Avenue that distributed 10,000 emergency food boxes its first year, to what it is today – a regional lifeline to many. Last year alone, through four resource centers, 19 mobile distribution sites, and hundreds of partner agencies, CFB distributed over half a million emergency food boxes and 38 million pounds of food to neighbors in need across five counties – a region larger than many U.S. states.
Beyond Emergency Relief
While its reach has expanded dramatically, growth has never been the goal for its own sake. CFB has introduced dozens of programs over the years to not only feed those in need today, but to strike at the root causes of hunger.
Programs like Farm to School bring hands-on garden education to children in low-income schools, helping them build lifelong connections to healthy food. The Caridad Community Kitchen Culinary Training Program equips community members facing employment barriers with professional culinary skills and confidence, opening doors to stable, meaningful work. These and many other initiatives reflect CFB’s commitment to fighting hunger at every level.
In recognition of this innovative approach, CFB was honored as Feeding America’s “Food Bank of the Year” in 2018.
Honoring the Community That Made 50 Years Possible
This year, CFB proudly celebrates “50 Years of Impact” in Southern Arizona. As we commemorate this achievement, we also pause to honor the community that has made this journey possible. Every volunteer, donor, partner, advocate, and neighbor has shaped what the food bank is today. This milestone belongs to all of us.
Throughout the year, we will highlight one groundbreaking program each month, sharing its successes, challenges, and vision going forward into the next 50 years.
Join Us in Shaping the Next 50 Years
Hunger remains a challenge, but it is a challenge we can solve – together. Whether you give your time, your resources, or your voice, your support is essential in strengthening our community and helps us ensure our communities are healthy and hunger-free today, tomorrow, and always.
To join our fight against hunger, please visit www.communityfoodbank.org/get-involved