about us
How we support food banks
Are you interested in starting a food pantry or working with one of our member food banks? We can help!
Purchasing & transporting food
We support our member food banks by transporting food, arranging transportation, and sometimes purchasing food in bulk to leverage discounts. As food resources become available from time to time, whether it is government commodities or local grocery products, our member food banks share with each other to see that hunger needs are met throughout the state. In 2019, along with our member food banks, we distributed more than 180 MILLION pounds of food to help Arizonans in all 15 counties.
Annual conference
Each year, we host a conference for our member food banks, their agency partners, and various hunger relief organizations throughout Arizona. Although our 2020 conference was postponed due to COVID-19, we expect to return to annual conferences as soon as it’s safe. Our goal is to provide a forum for networking, education, and sharing best practices to help us all work together towards our common goal. A range of expert speakers cover topics such as key advocacy issues, food safety best practices, and the impact of hunger throughout Arizona. To learn more about the next conference and access resources from previous conferences, please visit our Annual Conference webpage.
Community
Membership in AzFBN provides a forum for discussion on statewide approaches to food banking issues. This is a place where food banks learn together and from each other, build relationships with other Arizona food banks and problem solve together.
Power & Influence
Membership in AzFBN allows direct input to the formation -- and then to benefit from -- the collective accomplishments of such projects as our Logistics Task Force (what used to be know as the Arizona Statewide Gleaning Project) and other collaborations. While these projects are shared with non-members as well, member food banks direct their development and continuation. Membership in AzFBN lends credibility to food bank operations and presents a united voice to the Arizona community about food banking issues and hunger as a societal problem. This extends to relationships with the food industry as we seek food and other resources to feed hungry people. Membership in AzFBN gives a voice at the planning table regarding food banking issues. As the impact of federal program changes take hold, AzFBN is sought out by government and nongovernmental groups to speak on behalf of our members. In order to do that, regular input is gathered about issues that are being considered. AzFBN stays in touch with current legislative issues at the state and national levels. During the Arizona Legislative Session, regular updates on important legislation are shared with member food banks for their information and action.
Knowledge sharing
Membership in AzFBN provides access to operational expertise that comes from the collective experience of our membership and the Feeding America Network. When there is turnover at the individual food bank level, AzFBN and member food banks are often asked for technical knowledge to bridge the gap between old and new staff. AzFBN has been instrumental in providing guidance to the development of five food banks in our state.
Disaster preparation
Membership in AzFBN offers food banks a coordination point when natural disasters strike. This ensures collaboration during these stressful times and the delivery of resources when and where they are needed. AzFBN is a member of Arizona Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (AZVOAD). AzFBN serves as a central point of contact for information to the public, which relieves stress on member food banks.
Education
AzFBN supports our member food banks and their agency partners through periodic workshops and webinars to help us strengthen our impact as a network. Please check out our Workshops page for resources and register for an upcoming training! If you have suggestions or ideas for new workshops or webinars please contact April at [email protected].
Volunteer Support
In 2018 AzFBN kicked off an AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program to support our member food banks. AmeriCorps VISTA members are highly trained, and work on sustainable solutions to eradicate poverty in the communities where they serve. AzFBN started the program with three VISTA volunteers that deployed at member food banks sites throughout Arizona. As this program grows, each VISTA will have a unique job as they work to improve food security for families.
Join Us!
Getting Started
Interested in starting a food pantry or working with one of our members? Click here to download a pdf with some helpful information.
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