The city of Scottsdale and its community partners are enhancing food assistance programs to better serve residents in need. Through coordinated efforts among local nonprofits, healthcare providers and regional food agencies, Scottsdale Human Services is working to expand food distribution capacity, improve transportation for fresh food rescue, and strengthen resources for seniors and families facing food insecurity.

The Scottsdale Food Resources Group, a collection of non-profit, corporate and government agencies which includes Scottsdale Community Partners, Tempe Community Action Agency, NOAH, Duet Partners in Aging, Area Agency on Aging (Phoenix), HonorHealth, HonorHealth Desert Mission, Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, and the city of Scottsdale continues to collaborate to bridge service gaps and ensure residents have access to nutritious food across the city.

The Scottsdale Food Bank, operated by the city of Scottsdale Human Services Department, recently increased its service capacity by 20 households and now supports up to 120 households per week. Fresh food donations from local grocers continue to supplement the inventory, and St. Mary’s Food Bank provides 120 emergency food boxes weekly. Human Services is also working to expand food distribution through satellite locations at Paiute Neighborhood Center, Granite Reef Senior Center, Vista del Camino and Via Linda Senior Center.

A major step forward came with the retrofitting of the Food Bank’s new box truck, which will soon include refrigeration thanks to community donations. This improvement will ensure perishable food items, including fresh produce and dairy, can be safely transported from grocery stores to the Food Bank and its distribution sites in a refrigerated truck.

Generous contributions for the retrofit were provided by:

• Blue Zones Project Scottsdale – $9,402
• HonorHealth – $6,750
• Scottsdale Firefighters Association – $13,500

“Expanding refrigerated transport allows us to rescue more fresh, healthy food that would otherwise go to waste,” said Sue Oh, Scottsdale Human Services manager. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community partners, we can safely deliver these items to families and seniors who need them most.”

“Every donation helps ensure Scottsdale families and seniors have access to fresh, healthy food,” said city of Scottsdale Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas. “I’m proud to participate in this effort and work alongside our community partners to make a meaningful difference for families and seniors across the city.”

Scottsdale Human Services continues to coordinate closely with Scottsdale Community Partners and other local agencies to supplement traditional food boxes with fresh produce, gift cards for residents with dietary restrictions, and additional senior nutrition programs. The Brown Bag Program currently serves 120 seniors and has capacity to grow to 200 participants, providing supplemental groceries and special holiday meals through the Adopt-a-Senior Program.

For residents who wish to contribute, Scottsdale Food Bank is currently seeking volunteers, especially those able to assist with grocery pickups using the new refrigerated truck.  Additionally, the Food Bank is updating its Amazon Wish List to reflect current donation needs.

Learn more about Scottsdale Human Services programs and how to get involved at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, and search “Food Bank.”