Who We Are
40+ years of nourishing Arizona’s communities.
Through the power of 120+ agency partners, the dedication of our suppliers, and the generous support of our communities, we’re building a stronger, more united Arizona.
Our History
Our roots run deep in Arizona’s East Valley, where our mission to end hunger began in July 1983. Originally founded as United Food Distribution Center, Inc., United Food Bank was born from a collaborative effort between local cities and United Way organizations.
In our first year, we partnered with 28 community organizations to collect and distribute food to families in need. Many of those early partners, like the Mesa Senior Center, Apache Junction Food Bank, and Chandler Christian Community Center, are still with us today.
By 1985, we expanded our reach to serve Gila, Pinal, and parts of Apache and Navajo counties, alongside Maricopa County’s East Valley. As the needs of these communities grew, so did our organization.
Today, United Food Bank covers a vast service area of 19,608 square miles, including some of the most remote regions in Arizona. Our network of over 120 partner organizations helps us deliver critical support to families, children, and seniors across the state.
Where Does the Food Come From?
The food we provide comes from a powerful network of community support, with over 50% of the food arriving through our Grocery Rescue program. This program allows us to gather fresh, nutritious food from local grocery stores that would otherwise go to waste, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, and shelf-stable items. Thanks to this initiative, we can provide quality food to our neighbors in need while also reducing food waste.
Our community’s generosity is woven into everything we do. Individual donors, local food drives, and caring partners all play vital roles in helping us stock our shelves. Partnerships with grocers and food producers also make a huge impact, allowing us to receive large, timely donations that keep our pantry well-supplied year-round. While we occasionally purchase food to ensure a balanced variety, every donation and dollar help provide meals to those in need.
We also receive support from federal programs, which provide additional staples to round out our offerings and help us meet the needs of our community. All of these contributions come together to create a vital safety net.
Where Does Our Food Go?
We work with community partners across our service area that operate food programs like food pantries, meal sites, after-school youth meal programs, as well as distributing food on our own through our mobile pantries.
The food we receive travels to hundreds of places, but all of it has the same end destination: helping those in need.
Every Contribution Counts
Whether it’s food or funds, your contribution is appreciated. Food drives help replenish our shelves but monetary donations have an even greater impact. Through our partnerships, every $1 donated enables us to distribute five meals to people in need. Your financial support allows us to secure truckloads of nutritious food at minimal costs.
Waste Not:
As Partners in Purpose, United Food Bank and Waste Not collaborate to ensure that surplus food is transformed into meals for those in need, driving impactful hunger relief efforts across Arizona.