Arizona ranks 5th in the U.S. for the highest food insecurity rates. Just over one million people in Arizona are struggling with hunger, which translates to 1 in 4 children, 1 in 5 adults, and 1 in 7 seniors. These are our friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. The Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank serves approximately 50,000 individuals experiencing hunger annually here in the Southwest Valley. All Faith Community Services serves approximately 2000 individuals a month. Unfortunately, the communities served are some of the poorest – not only in the state, but in the country.
One of our club’s favorite service projects is the Holiday Food Box and Book Distribution. Our Community Service committee works with Avondale and Litchfield Elementary School Districts to identify children and their families who could use some extra help in December due to unemployment or other family crisis.
Once the children/families have been identified. Rotarians with the help of our Interact students and school staff an age-appropriate book is purchased for each child in the family along with one family book to be distributed with a box of food including eggs, bread, ham, vegetables, bag of potatoes, peanut butter and jam.
On a Saturday in December, club members, spouses and friends of Rotary gather to pack 80 food boxes and deliver them to the families along with the books. The look of excitement on the children’s faces and appreciation from the parents is extremely rewarding! The holidays are a special time for children and to see that smile and hear the thank you’s melts your heart!