Sahuarita Food Bank serves 475 families weekly with diverse community programs

Under the warm glow of the Sahuarita Town Hall, community leaders gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting local residents. Among them was Carlos Vias, the Vice Executive Director of the Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center, who delivered an inspiring update on the organization’s growth and initiatives.

Since its inception in 2009, the food bank has evolved significantly, now serving approximately 475 families each week. Vias highlighted the organization’s expansion, which included the opening of a new facility in 2021 to meet the increasing demand for food assistance. Notably, the food bank operates four days a week, including Saturdays, a rarity among local food banks, ensuring that families have access to essential resources even on weekends.

Vias shared that the food bank serves around 2,200 individuals in Sahuarita, with programs designed to support various community needs. One standout initiative is the backpack program, which provides weekend meals to students on free and reduced lunch, benefiting 554 children in the local school district. Additionally, the food bank distributes senior food boxes to 181 seniors, with 90 of those delivered directly to their homes each week.

In a bid to tackle food waste, the organization rescues approximately 12,500 pounds of food weekly from local grocery stores, diverting it from landfills. Vias also announced the establishment of the first family resource center in Pima County, which has already served over 200 families since its opening last October. This center offers a range of programs, including vocational training, financial literacy, and health education.

The food bank’s commitment to workforce development was underscored by its recent designation as a licensed vocational school. Vias detailed plans for a renewable energy technician program set to launch in early 2025, aimed at equipping individuals with skills for jobs in the growing solar industry.

As the meeting progressed, council members expressed their gratitude for the food bank’s multifaceted approach to community support. Vias noted a 22% increase in demand for services compared to the previous year, highlighting the ongoing need for assistance in the community.

The evening concluded with a sense of optimism, as Vias and the council members reaffirmed their commitment to not just providing immediate relief but also empowering residents through education and skill-building initiatives. The Sahuarita Food Bank continues to be a beacon of hope, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency among its neighbors.