New Mobile Food Distributions in Marana area
New food distributions in Picture Rocks and Avra Valley are serving between 80 and 100 households a month in each location. The Community Food Bank began regularly scheduled mobile distributions in November of 2023. Research shows a high demand in the rural areas.
“What we found is that people were driving substantial distances from their homes in Picture Rocks and Avra Valley to pick up food in Marana,” says Malea Chavez, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. “In our work it’s important to meet people where they are. The new mobile distributions will do just that.”
Regular Monthly Distributions
The Community Food Bank sends a truckload of food to Picture Rocks Park, 5615 N. Sanders Road, every second Wednesday of the month, with food distribution from 1-4pm.
Another mobile distribution is held on the third Wednesday of the month at Avra Valley Fire District Station 191 at 15790 W. Silverbell Road also from 1-4pm.
Anyone in need of emergency food is welcome at these monthly distributions. A photo ID is required. The drive-up distributions allow people to wait in their cars while volunteers load food in the trunk or back seat of the vehicle.
Produce and Non-Perishable Items
The amount of food items and kind of food being distributed changes each month, depending on what is available. January’s food distribution included frozen haddock fillets, raisins, almonds, grapefruit, stuffing, tortillas, bread, shredded cheese, apples and cucumbers. The lines are longest at the beginning of the distribution, and shorten after the first hour.
“This is great,” says Esther, one of the first in line to receive food. “I love the closeness. I live only about a mile and a half from here.”
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers give their time to make these distributions happen. One volunteer says, “This is very rewarding. I love interacting with people.” Anyone who can help volunteer at these distributions can email volunteer@communityfoodbank.org. The Community Food Bank operates nearly 20 mobile distributions each month in rural areas across Southern Arizona.
Anyone in need of emergency food can find locations and hours of Community Food Bank Resource Centers and check other area locations to pick up food at https://www.communityfoodbank.org/get-help/