Marilee Jensen
As I write this article for the December newspaper, approximately 135,000 Tucsonans are not receiving their November SNAP benefits. This lapse creates great hardship for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. While the Tri-Community Food Bank (TCFB) cannot provide the amount of food that SNAP provides, we are stepping up to help.
In October, we saw an increase in clients signing up at our pantry for emergency food assistance. We provided food for an additional 142 individuals and already saw a shortage in our pantry stock. As an agency partner of the United Food Bank, we will receive emergency food bags (EFBs) and some additional food; however, community support will be necessary to keep our shelves stocked. For those interested in providing donations, food items needed include: peanut butter, cereal, canned fruit, spaghetti sauce, canned beans (black, pinto, refried), soup, canned meat (tuna fish, spam, chili, etc.), elbow macaroni.
The SaddleBrooke and SaddleBrooke Ranch communities have been strong supporters of the TCFB and that support is invaluable. Thank you!
The Tri-Community Food Bank is located at 108 W Redwood Road in Mammoth and serves the communities of Oracle, San Manuel, Mammoth, Dudleyville, and Aravaipa in the southeastern area of Pinal County. The mailing address is P.O. Box 38, Mammoth, AZ 85618. To reach the food bank call 520-487-2010 during business hours Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
The TCFB is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and an Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization where individuals can receive tax credit for donations using code #20463.