On a Mission to Nourish the Community

More than 100 residents volunteer on a regular basis at HonorHealth’s Desert Mission Food Bank, but as requests for services increase, so does the need for volunteers (photo courtesy of Desert Mission).

In 2023, HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank served an astonishing 74,051 individuals through various programs aimed at addressing food insecurity. These include emergency food assistance, infant and senior food box programs, as well as initiatives like the school Snack Pack program and nutrition education.

A closer look at specific service metrics reveals a concerning trend. As of July 2024, the food bank had distributed over 1.7 million pounds of food, a dramatic uptick from previous years. This year, 13,498 households were served during the second quarter compared to 9,170 in 2023, marking a 47 percent increase in demand.

The surge in need has stretched the organization thin. In 2023, the food bank required one to two volunteer groups per week; now, the demand has escalated to require support from Monday through Friday. Presently, there are over 100 regular volunteers working three-hour shifts to keep operations running smoothly.

Mike Morgan, director of operations, noted that while fresh meat, produce, and dairy have always been staples at the food bank, there has been a concerted effort to increase the supply of shelf-stable items. Programs have been streamlined to verify client eligibility for various federal assistance programs, ensuring individuals receive necessary resources effectively.

Fundamentally, the food bank’s efforts are underpinned by a Grocery Rescue program in collaboration with St. Mary’s Food Bank. Weekly pick-ups from local grocery stores have increased significantly from about 30 to over 60, reflecting the escalating demand for food assistance.

The logistics involve not just food items but also non-food essentials like pet supplies and clothing, which are distributed through partnerships with other nonprofits. Unusable food is composted, while recyclable materials are properly processed to minimize waste.

Volunteers also play a critical role in assembling meal bags that complement pantry items. About 1,000 Snack Packs are distributed monthly to food-insecure children in the Washington Elementary School District, addressing the issue of weekend hunger.

As demand continues to rise, the food bank calls on the community for more volunteer support, emphasizing the importance of both regular and group volunteers to sustain operations. “Recurring volunteers are essential, but we also rely on groups for one-time events,” stated Krystina Toscas, corporate engagement manager.

The impact of the food bank’s work is palpable, with Morgan expressing, “This is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had. You can see the difference you’re making every single day.” As they gear up for their holiday initiatives, including an adopt-a-family program and Thanksgiving turkey distribution, the food bank remains committed to innovation and community engagement.

Desert Mission Food Bank invites residents to get involved. Interested volunteers can sign up at www.desertmission.com/volunteer or visit them at 9229 N. 4th St., open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.