Phoenix Police Soar Past 10K Turkey Donation Milestone for Local Families in Need

By Staff Reporter |

The Phoenix Police Department is stepping up for the community this Thanksgiving, embodying their motto of “protect and serve” through a generous donation of 865 turkeys to St. Mary’s Food Bank. This initiative, which took place on Tuesday morning, was made possible thanks to the support of local residents who came together to aid their police department in this charitable effort.

The collaboration between the police and the community has led St. Mary’s Food Bank to not only meet but surpass its ambitious goal of collecting 10,000 turkeys this holiday season. Rising food prices and increased demand have made this event particularly significant, with many families seeking assistance due to inflation-related challenges. St. Mary’s Food Bank currently assists around 1,500 families daily at its Phoenix Neighborhood Food Center, a figure that has risen even higher compared to the peak of the 2020 pandemic.

The Arizona Food Bank Network reports serving over 600,000 individuals monthly, indicating a substantial reliance on food assistance in the state. In July alone, over 460,000 households registered for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, highlighting the pressing need for community support. HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank has also experienced a surge in demand, serving double the number of families daily.

Statistics reveal the severity of food insecurity in Arizona, with about 12 percent of households lacking consistent access to necessary food resources. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that food prices have surged by 25 percent from 2019 to 2023, compounding challenges faced by families across the state. In the last year, grocery prices have increased by over one percent, resulting in a cumulative spike of five percent from 2022 to 2023, according to the Consumer Price Index.

Alongside the donation, Phoenix police officers participated in loading turkeys and food boxes at St. Mary’s headquarters, demonstrating hands-on support for the initiative. Milt Lou, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Food Bank, expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming turnout and anticipated the joy on Thanksgiving Day as families walk away with complete meals.

“We’re pleased to ensure that every family who visits us today and tomorrow will receive a turkey along with all the fixings, fresh produce, and bread,” Lou stated.

Phoenix Police interim chief Michael Sullivan emphasized the importance of this initiative in showcasing the department’s commitment to the community. “These donations affirm that you can rely on the Phoenix PD and the City of Phoenix,” he remarked. “That’s something to be thankful for.”

St. Mary’s Food Bank also invited further donations, where a $20 contribution guarantees the purchase of a turkey along with sides like pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a produce bag containing essential vegetables.

This Thanksgiving, the food bank anticipates distributing approximately 23,000 turkeys throughout the Valley, surpassing last year’s distribution of 21,000 turkeys.