Shoeleather Journalism in the Digital Age

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United Food Bank launches emergency initiative to aid San Carlos Apache Tribe

photo of San Carlos Apache Tribe
Through its emergency initiative, United Food Bank is continuing to provide extra food supplies through its USDA and Pantry+ programs to meet the increased demand, which offers an accumulation of food products requested by San Carlos Apache Tribe.

San Carlos Apache Tribe in immediate need of aid after Watch Fire

Staff Reports | Digital Free Press

The San Carlos Apache Tribe declared a state of emergency on July 12 after the Watch Fire burned through its community.

In response, United Food Bank launched an emergency initiative that day to support the urgent need for food and water distribution to the victims of the Watch Fire and the San Carlos Apache Tribe, according to a press release.

Through its emergency initiative, United Food Bank is continuing to provide extra food supplies through its USDA and Pantry+ programs to meet the increased demand, which offers an accumulation of food products requested by San Carlos Apache Tribe.

Additionally, United Food Bank has also ensured that all impacted residents have access to clean drinking water and has delivered its emergency food boxes of nonperishable foods to those unable to access the regular distribution points, the release states.

The Watch Fire, that began burning on July 10 in San Carlos and is still burning today, has devastated the community, displaced families and disrupted access to essential resources. Over 2,000 acres and at least 13 homes have been burned as a result, leaving 75 people homeless and over 400 people who were forced to quickly evacuate.

“Our hearts go out to the San Carlos Apache Tribe and all those affected by the Watch Fire,” said Jason Reed, CEO of United Food Bank. “We appreciate the immediate donation from Resolution Cooper to support the San Carlos community and the assistance of Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Red Cross Arizona, Abiding Ministries, and the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s food distribution center for coming together to quickly get these resources out to the individuals and families in need.”

United Food Bank, who works to assist Arizonans struggling from food insecurity in the East Valley and eastern Arizona, addressed the urgent needs by enhancing the distribution of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a USDA commodity food program, to ensure affected families receive shelf-stable nutritious food.

The Mesa-based food bank is working alongside Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Red Cross Arizona, the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s food distribution center, and its local agency partner, Abiding Ministries to get these resources to those in need. In addition, United Food Bank received an immediate response donation and volunteers from Resolution Copper to support this initiative.

A local aid effort in Apache Junction emerges

An Apache Junction-based business RNC Fleet Service, has decided to take up a collection of items to donate to the tribe as part of the brand’s mission.

According to news reports, items needed are clothes and shoes for adults and children, water, nonperishable food, phone chargers, self-care items such as shampoo, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tissues, blankets, sheets, pillows and pet food. Please do not bring cash.

Representatives of RNC will take the items out to the the donation site on the reservation on Monday, July 22. Please drop off donations at RNC Fleet, 1725 E. 12th Ave., Apache Junction, by 5 p.m. Friday, July 19.

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