The average food price has skyrocketed due to corona virus pandemic and recent events. The FAO Food Price Index has saw a fresh record high of nearly 160 points.
A shocking 60% price increase over the 2014-2016 base period shows that hunger is a public health issue of critical importance.
The most vulnerable demographic of society is taking the brunt of this economic pressure. Now more than ever, low-income families must rely on Arizona Free Clinics, Arizona Food Stamps, and food banks.
This guide will list helpful information about Food Bank in Maricopa County, Arizona and organizations that can help curb hunger, how you can use their services and where to find them.
What is a Food Bank?
Food banks are non-profit charitable organizations that assist financially vulnerable populations by distributing food. Their main objectives is to help low-income individual and families by providing food.
They will work through other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations like food pantries and soup kitchens. Sometimes they distribute the food themselves via mobile pantry.
Food Bank in Maricopa County, Arizona serves as a single collection and distribution point for food donations. They operate much like a for-profit food distributor, but they do not use retailers. Instead, they may use church food banks, charities, and other non-profit food pantries to provide food to the people to fight hunger.
How the Food Bank Works?
- 1. Food is donated to a food bank.
- 2. Its stored in a big climate controlled warehouse.
- 3. Food Bank in Maricopa County, Arizona distributes food to various non-profits for distribution.
- 4. Food reaches to who are in need.
Who can use Food Banks?
Many Food Bank in Maricopa County, Arizona and food pantries are locally run, with others managed at the state or federal level. Qualification to receive nutrition assistance from food programs depends on the type.
There are different qualifying requirements, but many food banks have none. Just show up during their days and times of operation, and they will help if they are able.
Here are the tips while .
- It is highly advisable to call ahead before you arrive!
- Ask about any eligibility or documentation requirements they may have.
- If required, bring all required documents when you use their services.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest Food Bank was the first one established in California in 1972 and is the second oldest in the US. It operates multiple distribution centers across the United States.
Impact of Second Harvest Food Bank is huge, It helps 85,000 Santa Cruz residents avoid missing meals and empty stomachs.
Second Harvest Food Bank in Maricopa County, Arizona is easing the burden of impossible choices for families between food, housing, medicine, and other necessities.
St. Mary's Food Bank
The St. Mary's Food Bank was a first local food bank ever established in the United States in 1967. The St. Mary's Food Bank mission is food security and hunger relief for all Americans.
The St. Mary's distributes millions of pounds of food to the hungry each year, It also operates its own food pantries to allow allow people to access food directly from their warehouses.
It also offer specialized after-school programs for kids and career training for adults.
St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
This program provides mobile pantry services to those who can not make it to St. Mary's Food Bank. We bring perishable food directly to neighborhoods in the greatest need.
Those interested in locating the nearest Mobile Pantry location
can call (602) 242-FOOD (3663).
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (602) 242-3663 to book your appointment.
Address :
2831 N 31st Ave,
Phoenix, AZ 85009.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Church Food Bank Food Bank in Maricopa County, Arizona
Church Food Bank Food Bank in Maricopa County, Arizona serve a hot, nutritious lunch 365 days a year, even in the face of terrible weather and ever-increasing demand.
Church Food Bank welcome anyone who is in need of a meal, regardless of the person's circumstance, with no questions asked. It also provide showers, laundry, mail, I.D. assistance and other essential services.
Mountain View Church Food Bank
MV is partnered with the United Food Bank in assisting people in our community. Food giveaways are usually every other week by appointment only. Our Food Bank is located in the same building as the Church office on the right.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 415-9814 to book your appointment.
Address :
4815 W Hunt Hwy,
Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Queen Creek
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Feeding America
John van Hengel, the founder of St. Mary's Food Bank, went on to create a national organization for food banks. The Feeding America organization is a leader in the nation's domestic hunger-relief efforts.
The Coronavirus epidemic put even more pressure on America's most vulnerable citizens. Feeding America has helped serve 6.6 billion meals to date.
The Feeding America have grown through donations and other charitable efforts to be able to deliver much-needed food via food rescue, hunger relief programs, and disaster response.
United Food Bank
The co-op program allows clients to purchase pre-assembled food bags containing 15 to 20 pounds of different meat and produce for $20. As available, Help Yourself clients can also make selections from a variety of complimentary items like breads and pastries, dairy and deli products. The program offers a great opportunity for anyone who’d like to make the most of their food budgets; weekly or monthly. There are no qualifying requirements or limits so it open to the public.
Help Yourself is held every Friday from 8 am to 12 pm at the Javelina Vounteer Annex. You must wear shoes in the warehouse for safety reasons.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 926-4897 to book your appointment.
Address :
358 E Javelina Ave,
Mesa, AZ 85210.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: Closed
- Tues: Closed
- Wed: Closed
- Thurs: Closed
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
- Pinal
Foothills Food Bank
Foothills Food Bank provides an emergency supply of food, referral information and financial assistance to individuals and families in the foothills area that are in a crisis situation.
Food is our primary resource for our registered clients who live in our designated area. Clients can receive the following types of groceries:
•30 Day or Monthly Food-Once per month, 30 lbs. of food per person in household for 3 days. Included is a variety of meats, soups, cereals, pasta and sauce, baked goods, detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, water, fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, pet food when needed, and personal items when available.
•7 Day Food-Once a week our clients can visit and obtain fruits and vegetables, bread and baked goods, any snack and soup items available, baby food and wipes, and any surplus we have. This will help stretch the week for each household.
•Care Club-Is an additional resource put in place to assist in-need households with purchasing groceries. The Foothills Food Bank provides groceries at a discounted rate to those participating in the program. Care Club takes place on the first Wednesday and the third Thursday of each month.
The Foothills Food Bank now provides a limited supply of gluten-free food for those who are gluten-intolerant in our community. We have partnered with Caring Corp to supply food to our home-bound clients. The Food Bank provides the food and packaging, being sensitive to certain dietary needs. Caring Corp delivers the packages.
We provide limited amounts of pet food for dogs and cats. The goal is to keep pets with their families, as pets are often given up in times of financial strain. Clients with pets may request pet food on their Monthly Food request.
Areas we serve are North along I-17 to Black Canyon City, West to I-17, South to Pinnacle Peak and East to Rio Verde.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 488-1145 to book your appointment.
Address :
6038 E Hidden Valley Dr,
Cave Creek, AZ 85331.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
- Thurs: 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
- Fri: 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
The Cultural Cup Food Bank Community Connection
The Cultural Cup Food Bank provides fresh, quality emergency food and resources in a dignified & respectful manner acknowledging the diversity of those people during times of hardship. Utilizing the concept of volunteerism to enhance the quality of life for all community members. Building community relationships that foster unity in diversity.
Emergency Food Assistance Program helps people in a time of need without judgment, in a manner that preserves dignity and respect. Some of the services we provide include.:
-Emergency Food Boxes
-Emergency Baby Items
-Hygiene Items
-Gently Used Clothing
-Free Medical Service
-Free Pet Food
To get services you must have any type of ID, proof of address is a plus.
To get more information call us at 602-266-8370.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (602) 266-8370 to book your appointment.
Address :
342 E Thomas Rd,
Phoenix, AZ 85012.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 10:30 AM - 01:45 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 01:45 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 01:45 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 01:45 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 01:45 PM
- Sat: 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Matthew's Crossing Food Bank
Matthew's Crossing is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides food assistance to those in need throughout the East Valley in Maricopa County.
We provide emergency food once a month to anyone who registers and shows a picture ID. Emergency Food Boxes consists of cart full of non-perishable nutritionally balanced items, bread and fresh produce when available. Toiletries, Pet food, cleaning supplies, and diapers/ baby food are available upon request when supplies permit.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 857-2296 to book your appointment.
Address :
1368 N Arizona Ave,
Chandler, AZ 85225.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Tues: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Wed: 06:00 AM - 08:00 PM EST
- Thurs: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Fri: 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM EST
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Valley View Community Food Bank
Valley View Community offers a safe and positive environment where those seeking help can easily find the resources they need to find themselves and their families.
Valley View Community Food Bank distributes nutritious food directly to people in our communities that are on fixed incomes and limited resources. We provide emergency boxes of nutritious food at no cost to those in need and there’s no qualifying required. If you are in need of food all we ask is that you bring a valid ID and birth certificates for any children.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (623) 933-3358 to book your appointment.
Address :
9849 N 105th Ave,
Sun City, AZ 85351.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
- Pinal
ICM Food & Clothing Bank
We provide an immediate response to basic needs.
Basic needs includes:
- A food box
- A change of clothes and shoes
- Shampoo, soap, and other toiletries
- SNAP (food stamp) sign-up
- Baby formula and diapers
- Nutrition bags for small children
Once a month we hold a free medical clinic to provide basic medical services at no cost.
To qualify must have:
- Photo ID
- Proof of residence (e.g. a piece of mail from the last 6 months with name and address)
1st visit must have:
- Identification for all members of the family
Returning customers:
- Identification for head of household
- Proof of residence
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
501 S 9th Ave,
Phoenix, AZ 85007.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Tues: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Wed: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Thurs: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Fri: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sat: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
- Pinal
Agua Fria Food And Clothing Bank Inc
Agua Fria Food And Clothing Bank Inc provides food and clothing to families and individuals in Southwest Valley of Maricopa County.
For more information call 623-932-9135
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (623) 932-9135 to book your appointment.
Address :
405 E Harrison Dr,
Avondale, AZ 85323.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Desert Mission Food Bank
Desert Mission Food Bank provides emergency food assistance to help families within our service area move out of crisis and into self-sufficiency where they can provide meals for themselves. The food bank offers nonperishable and perishable food, including fruit and vegetables, bread and more. We teach our clients about nutrition and healthy ways to use the food they receive through a variety of programs.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (602) 870-6062 to book your appointment.
Address :
9229 N Fourth St,
Phoenix, AZ 85020.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Phoenix
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank
PVEFB stands for Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank. It is a food cooperative formed from existing organizations in the Paradise Valley area to aid the community's hungry. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. WHAT IS PVEFB'S MAIN OBJECTIVE? . . . to provide emergency food assistance to individuals living within the boundaries of the Paradise Valley Unified School District. PVEFB distributes food to families that would otherwise go hungry. The emergency provisions provide wholesome, nourishing meals to families in need. They bridge the gap until a long-term solution can be arranged. HOW DOES PVEFB WORK? Volunteers takes calls from clients. Other volunteers set up food boxes to be picked up by the clients, by appointment. The Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank is a totally private "food pantry". We do not operate under the auspices of any governmental or religious organization. We are staffed completely by volunteers. We pay NO salary to anyone involved with the food bank. 100% of contributions go to the cost of serving our clients.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (602) 867-9228 to book your appointment.
Address :
10862 N 32nd St,
Phoenix, AZ 85028.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Phoenix
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish - Fr. McGivney Food Bank
Food distribution every Monday 9-11 am.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 290-1011 to book your appointment.
Address :
20615 E Ocotillo Rd,
Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Queen Creek
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Without Walls Christian Center - Manna Food Bank
Our food bank provides free food to over 50,000 families each month and provides a beacon of hope to people who feel hopeless. The only requirement to receive food is a state-issued ID. We especially love to bless the people of Without Walls. If you need a little help with groceries, please do not hesitate to visit Manna Food Bank. Weekly Food Bank Hours - Monday: 3:30 – 4:30 pm; Wednesday: 3:30 – 4:30 pm; Friday: 3:30 – 4:30 pm; Saturday: 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 615-2799 to book your appointment.
Address :
1135 E Main St,
Mesa, AZ 85203.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Mesa
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Matthew's Crossing Food Bank
Matthew's Crossing helps people find new strength. The opportunities we offer give hope to many, provide solutions to overwhelming problems, and create powerful results in our community. We provide assistance for individuals and families in need in the East Valley. Each month we feed more than 3,500 people. Most of our clients are working families. They are employed full-time or part-time, and yet still are in need of supplemental food. We also serve people between jobs, those on fixed incomes, seniors, people with disabilities, and homeless clients. Hours: Emergency Food Bags M, Tu, Th, F 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Wed 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 857-2296 to book your appointment.
Address :
1368 N Arizona Ave Unit 112,
Chandler, AZ 85225.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Chandler
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Vista del Camino Food Bank
Vista del Camino provides a variety of services to Scottsdale residents to prevent homelessness, meet the basic needs of individuals and families in crisis, relieve economic and emotional stress and assist individuals to maintain self-sufficiency.
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 312-2323 to book your appointment.
Address :
7700 E Roosevelt St,
Scottsdale, AZ 85257.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Scottsdale
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Extended Hands Food Bank
Extended Hands Food Bank's Mission is to serve & eliminate hunger in Fountain Hills & surrounding communities. Hours of Operation: Monday 9am-11am, Tuesday 3pm-6pm. Friday 9am-11am, Saturday 9am-11am
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (480) 837-0303 to book your appointment.
Address :
16548 E Laser Dr # 6,
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Fountain Hills
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
Hope for Hunger Food Bank
Hope For Hunger Food Bank is now serving residents in Glendale, and some parts of Peoria and Phoenix. The food bank opened in May 2012 and served 545,000 Tons of food to 17,000 families feeding more than 61,000 men, women, and children. In 2013, we now serve over 5,000 families per month and sincerely know that this is not possible without you!
Services provided :
- Prepared Foods
- Fresh Produce
- After School Snacks
- Senior Meal Delivery
- Emergency Box
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (602) 773-4344 to book your appointment.
Address :
5605 N 55th Ave,
Glendale, AZ 85301.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Glendale
Help Residents of Counties:
- Maricopa
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally run program that helps obtain badly needed food for low-income people and families. SNAP program is also known as Food Stamp.
SNAP benefits in Maricopa County supplied approximately 40 million Americans in 2018. It is the most extensive nutrition program administered by Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and is a vital component of the social safety net for low-income Americans.
In 2017, roughly 9.2% of American households obtained SNAP benefits, with about 16.7% of all children living in homes benefiting.
The program had used paper "stamps" or coupons in the past – worth $1 (brown), $5 (blue), and $10 (green). These were bound into small booklets of various denominations, to be torn out individually and used in single-use exchanges.
Free Food Programs Summary
| Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
| CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
| SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
| SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food Bank?
Specifically, Maricopa County food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. How do you qualify for Maricopa County food bank assistance?
To qualify for food bank assistance you must provide:
- Current state-issued ID
- Social Security numbers of all household members
- Current electric bill to prove residence
- Bank Statement for income verification