A Feast of Thanks with United Food Bank
As the sun rises over Mesa, more than 200 people start waking up to sounds of United Food Bank volunteers tapping on their car windows in the Mesa Convention Center parking lot on Monday, November 20. With ever-rising turkey and grocery prices, people across the East Valley lined up for some peace of mind in gathering the ingredients for their Thanksgiving meals, and then some. With more than 100 volunteers, United Food Bank, State Farm, and the Arizona Cardinals successfully helped over 1,800 households bring home meals for the holiday.
“It was so exciting, like going through a soccer tunnel with everyone cheering for you,” says Brittani. This was her first distribution, and she frequently volunteers around the community, sometimes bringing along her 7-year old daughter. “I saw this last year with the long line and thought it was amazing that they were doing that and providing for others. At the time, I was able to afford everything just fine, now I’m in the line. It’s a little emotional, like a full circle moment. It’s humbling in the best way.” Brittani and her daughter will be cooking the meal together, and surprising Brittani’s partner with a turkey for both the holiday and his birthday! “He is going to be so happy. The food bank is helping Thanksgiving but also helping so much more”
It was also Carl’s first distribution, having learned about it through his friends. Carl moved to Arizona from Iowa for the weather, and loves to meet new friends and take part in the community. Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for friends this year, Carl came by the distribution to pick up over 50 pounds of food, including a turkey, fresh produce, and some of his favorite Thanksgiving sides, like stuffing mix! “The economy is so tight, with prices rising, especially for groceries. I’m excited for the turkey, and to make and have dinner with my friends.” He brought along his four-legged pal Sandy, who was so excited to interact with volunteers and receive a little treat herself. “Things are on the up and up,” he says as Sandy hops back into his lap. “One thing I’m hoping for everyone this season is happiness and safety.”
Bonnie shares Carl’s hope for happiness this holiday, picking up food at this distribution to help make dinner for her family and children’s friends who don’t have anyone to celebrate with this year. While Bonnie lives on a fixed income, she is thankful for help from United Food Bank and its partner agencies who make it possible for her to include yearly trips to her family across the country in her budget. “I drive to Michigan every year I can afford it, to escape the summers but to also spend time with my siblings up there. We have a place near Lake Superior that I like to make sure is maintained too, I don’t want it to fall into disrepair because it’s been part of the family for so long.” Bonnie wants to thank all of the volunteers who gave their day to help so many families this holiday season.
United Food Bank is also thankful for all of the volunteers, donors, staff, and sponsors that made this event possible. According to Feeding America, the number of food insecure households in the United States has increased over 30% since 2021. As prices continue to rise, so does the need of millions of neighbors nationwide. Together we are uniting communities to alleviate hunger. To find ways you can join the fight to end hunger, check out www.unitedfoodbank.org.
Written by KC Raguay
