The Association of Arizona Food Banks (AAFB) has received a $165,000 three-year grant from the respected Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.  These funds will support AAFB’s collaborative efforts to increase children’s access to nutritious meals through school meal programs in Maricopa County. 

“Today, one in four children in Arizona struggle with not consistently knowing where their next meal is coming from.  We need to make sure that kids are well fed because we know that hungry kids can’t learn,” said Angie Rodgers, president and CEO of the Association of Arizona Food Banks.  “We are pleased that Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has recognized the valuable work we do and considers us a vital partner in ending childhood hunger.” 

This grant will support AAFB in continuing and expanding their children and youth outreach efforts.  Through this program they focus on supporting schools in three key areas; examining their breakfast model to increase participation, researching federal funding options for school meals, and finding ways to serve more meals to children in the summer.  In partnering with schools, district offices and other organizations, AAFB works to ensure that children are well fed so they are prepared to learn, grow and thrive. 

“We recognize that children are fed in two places, home and school, and are pleased to support Association of Arizona Food Bank’s work to ensure children have access to the nutrition they need to learn,” said Marilee Dal Pra, vice president of programs, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust supports organizations that enrich health, well-being, and opportunity for the people of Maricopa County. Piper Trust works side-by-side with nonprofit organizations as a partner, helping them to identify problems, build expertise, find solutions, and become continually stronger and more effective.   For more information, please visit http://www.pipertrust.org