United Over Breakfast: A Recap of Friends Breakfast 2024
While the morning coffee was strong, the spirit of giving was even stronger.
On Wednesday, November 13, United Food Bank gathered over 200 community leaders, volunteers, sponsors and donors to the historic Sunkist Warehouse for its annual Friends Breakfast. This year’s theme, “United in Progress,” reflected on the organization’s rich history while celebrating the future.
To kick off the morning, the delicious omelet bar generously donated by Hickman’s Family Farms welcomed guests to their seats. The students at The Future Farmers of America (FFA) played a vital role in bringing the omelet bar to life as they cooked right before the guests’ eyes. Guests also enjoyed the unique milk bar the Dairy Council of Arizona provided, which offered various flavors, including strawberry, eggnog and cotton candy. Alongside the bars, muffins and other breakfast essentials provided by Fry’s Food Stores for guests to eat.
The food wasn’t the only highlight of the morning. The event featured several inspiring speakers, including Ricardo Leonard, Vice President of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Christina Dicksen, Board Chair for United Food Bank and Tonia Bruce, a resident of The Orchard Apartments, who shared how United Food Bank has impacted her life.
Jason Reed, CEO of United Food Bank, addressed the crowd and discussed the organization’s future. He emphasized the importance of continuing to address the needs of the Arizona community.
“Together, by meeting the food needs of today and tomorrow, we believe our work will create stability for any neighbor who’s experiencing a need for food,” said Reed.
One standout moment of the morning was unveiling the partnership between United Food Bank and local advertising agency Heart & Soul Marketing. Brad Casper, CEO of Heart & Soul Marketing, revealed the new logo and brand identity, set to launch in 2025. Casper explained how this much-needed refresh of the logo will be a more Arizona-focused design, tying to United Food Bank’s origins.
To wrap up the morning, Mandy Hodges, Director of Community Engagement at United Food Bank, reflected on the fast approaching holiday season. Unfortunately, hunger doesn’t take a break during the holiday season. In an inspirational message, Hodges urges unity this holiday season.
“Let’s show our neighbors they’re not alone. Let’s ensure every family feels the warmth and comfort of the season, and let’s keep that spirit of giving going all year long. Together, united in progress, we can make a lasting impact for everyone.”
To stay informed on the new and exciting changes coming to United Food Bank, visit our website at unitedfoodbank.org or follow us on social media @UnitedFoodBank.
We want to give a special shout-out to our amazing sponsors! Thank you for your generous support.
- SRP
- Resolution Copper
- Dignity Health
- Cigna
- JLL
- Mahoney Group
- Hickman’s Family Farms
- Dairy Council of Arizona
- Fry’s Food Stores
- Renegade Coffee
- Semper Fi Heating and Cooling
