GLOBE, AZ – Representative David Cook from Legislative District 7 will join food bank volunteers and staff at Gila Community Food Bank’s (GCFB’s) monthly food distribution for families in need of help at the Walmart Supercenter in Claypool on Friday, July 5, 2024. This veteran lawmaker’s efforts in 2023 led to $250,000 in state funding going to support the critical infrastructure needs of Gila Community Food Bank, located in his district.

“These state resources have been vital in providing additional nutritious foods to the nearly 700 families a month that seek help from GCFB,” said Jason Reed, CEO and President of United Food Bank, which supports GCFB and over 100 additional agencies distributing food throughout Arizona. “We are grateful for the opportunity to extend additional resources to our rural neighbors in need, thanks to these investments. This improved facility is now poised to serve even more individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.”

The funding, included in the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget, was used to increase GCFB’s storage capacity, add and update technology, and make critical repairs to the food bank’s building.

“Our space was built in 1937. Anytime it rained, the parking lot flooded and leaked into our storage space,” said Renea Shaffer, Director at Gila Community Food Bank. “We were long overdue for an update, and we couldn’t have done it without this funding.”

State resources were used to purchase additional refrigerators and a refrigerated van for transporting and serving fresh foods, including locally grown fruits and vegetables. The funding also supported critical structural improvements, including roof updates and leveling the parking lot.

“I am honored to join United Food Bank and Gila Community Food Bank for this important event,” said Cook. “Ensuring our communities have access to nutritious food is a cause close to my heart, and I am committed to supporting initiatives that fight hunger and promote well-being in rural Arizona. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors.”

Representative Cook will see some results of this support in action at the July 5 distribution when staff use new technology to record information from participants at this mobile distribution. The Walmart Supercenter in Claypool hosts this monthly event to accommodate a semi-truck full of supplies from United Food Bank, just part of the regular support United provides to GCFB and other food pantries and agencies.

Join Representative Cook, members of the United Food Bank staff, and officials from the Arizona Food Bank Network as they acknowledge the commitment from the state while serving people in need of this critical help.

Timeline and Details

Date: Friday, July 5, 2024

• 7:45am: Arrive at Walmart Supercenter in Claypool
• 8:00am: Food distribution for community members
• 9:30am: Depart for Gila Community Food Bank
• 9:45am: Tour Gila Community Food Bank
• 10:30am: Depart from Gila Community Food Bank

Location 1

Walmart Supercenter parking lot
100 S. Ragus Road
Claypool, AZ 85532

Location 2

Gila Community Food Bank
317 Hackney Avenue
Globe, AZ 85501