In a recent government meeting, Malia Chavez, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the organization's critical role in addressing food insecurity in the region. The Food Bank, one of four official Feeding America food banks in Arizona and the only one serving Southern Arizona, reported alarming statistics: currently, one in eight Arizonans faces hunger, with nearly 300,000 children affected.

Chavez emphasized the Food Bank's extensive outreach, covering over 23,000 square miles across five counties, including Pima, Santa Cruz, Graham, Greenlee, and Cochise. In the past year, the organization has mobilized over 100,000 volunteer hours and distributed more than £26 million worth of food in Pima County alone, marking a 25% increase in demand. The Food Bank partners with over 400 agencies to ensure that food assistance reaches those in need, including emergency food box programs and child nutrition initiatives in schools and community centers.

The presentation also detailed the Food Bank's monthly distribution efforts, which deliver over £369,000 of food in Pima County, alongside significant contributions in Green Valley and Marana. Chavez acknowledged the community's support and the importance of collaboration with local partners to combat food insecurity effectively.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for continued support and resources to address the growing challenges of hunger in Southern Arizona, as the Food Bank strives to meet the increasing demand for its services.