RISE Grant Success: Superior Food Bank
In the picturesque town of Superior, Arizona, the Superior Food Bank offers support for many families. This dedicated food pantry, a proud partner of United Food Bank, has recently received a $10,000 RISE Grant from United Food Bank’s RISE grant program in 2024, marking a significant milestone in its mission to combat food insecurity and nourish the community. This generous grant is set to revolutionize the way the food bank operates, enabling it to provide even more efficient and effective services to those in need.
On June 10, 2024, Superior Food Bank welcomed a much-needed addition—a new commercial freezer, funded by the RISE Grant. “When Karl and Karen from United Food Bank were here helping us implement the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, they told me about the RISE Grant and encouraged me to apply, and I immediately knew I was going to use it for this freezer,” Patty Ann shared. The grant also provided for new shelving in their walk-in refrigerator, a vital enhancement to their storage capabilities. With the assistance of Superior’s Public Works team, the new freezer was installed and the pantry was reorganized, allowing for a smoother workflow and increased capacity.
Prior to receiving the RISE Grant, Superior Food Bank faced significant challenges in storing large quantities of donated meat and other perishables. “United Food Bank sends a lot of meat, which is great for the community, but it’s big and we sometimes struggle to find space for it all. We only have one other commercial freezer, four household freezers, and three fridges,” shares pantry manager Patty Ann, who manages the distribution of food for up to 600 people a month. The addition of the new freezer is more than just an equipment upgrade; it represents a critical step forward in the food bank’s ability to serve the community effectively. “This new freezer will greatly impact our operations, giving us more space to continue filling the need.”
The success of Superior Food Bank is deeply rooted in the unwavering support from the community and its volunteers. “I’m so grateful for our volunteers, and the Town of Superior, the people from the copper mine and Public Works who are able to come and help move stuff around when we get shipments too,” expressed Patty. “The neighbors are happy too because we can increase the amount and the quality of things we give to them.”
Superior Food Bank serves a vital role in the community, providing food and support to anywhere from 200 to 600 individuals each month. The recent grant and upgrades come at a crucial time as the food bank has seen a continuous increase in the number of people they serve. “We have retrained our volunteers, who have greatly improved their service,” noted Patty Ann. “I’m very proud and thankful for the work of the volunteers.”
With the new freezer and shelving funded by the RISE Grant, Superior Food Bank is well-positioned to continue its mission of providing nutritious food to those in need until they can regain self-sufficiency. The food bank’s dedication to improving service quality and capacity ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of support for the Superior community.
The RISE (Revitalize, Inspire, Support, Empower) grant program, established by United Food Bank (UFB), offers $10,000 awards to partner agencies looking to enhance their food pantry operations and broaden the food assistance network’s impact within the community. Grants are available for initiatives across three project categories: Equipment & Facilities, which includes purchases or repairs of essential items like refrigerators, vehicles, and technology; Sustainability & Development, focusing on leadership planning, volunteer recruitment, and professional development; and Community Health, which encompasses activities that foster community engagement, provide culturally relevant services, and enhance overall well-being.
Interested in supporting our RISE Grant Program? Contact our Director of Philanthropy, Grace, at gbishara@unitedfoodbank.org for more information!
Written by KC Raguay
