Staff Reports | Community Updates
United Food Bank is launching its ninth annual Summer of a Million Meals fundraising campaign to support families facing increased food needs during the summer months.
The campaign aims to raise $1 million to provide meals to students, families and children across Arizona, according to a press release.
The campaign continues through Labor Day, Sunday, Sept. 7.
“The Summer of a Million Meals campaign plays a vital role in making sure families have consistent access to nutritious food,” Jason Reed, president and CEO of United Food Bank, said. “We are proud to once again team up with 12News and Fry’s Food Stores to support communities across Arizona. This work depends on all of us, and we’re inviting the community to step in and help ensure every child is fed.”
Throughout the summer, United Food Bank and 12News will host three telethon events on Wednesday, May 14; Wednesday, June 25; and Wednesday, July 30. During the telethons, donations can be made by calling 480-398-4499 from 5:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Donations can also be made online or at Fry’s Food Stores registers during the campaign.
United Food Bank is also organizing a Food Fight competition, encouraging businesses to participate by collecting food, donating funds and volunteering. The team with the most points will be recognized during the final telethon on Wednesday, July 30.
A food drive kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14. Donations of unopened and nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the United Food Bank Volunteer Center, 358 E. Javelina Ave. in Mesa, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“This campaign means more to our team every year. As the need grows, so does our commitment to helping ensure no one in our community goes hungry,” Kate Morris, president and general manager of 12News, said. “Summer of a Million Meals reflects the strength of our community, people coming together to support one another. We’re honored to partner with United Food Bank and Fry’s Food Stores and inspired by the generosity of our viewers.”
The campaign is also supported by The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, a nonprofit public charity focused on addressing food insecurity and food waste in communities where Kroger operates, including Arizona.“Fry’s Food Stores has been a leader in the fight to end hunger in Arizona as part of our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan,” Ken DeLuca, president of Fry’s Food Stores, said. “As we partner with United Food Bank and 12News for the ninth consecutive Summer of a Million Meals campaign, we are able to remain focused on this important initiative. This effort wouldn’t be possible without the continued generosity of our customers and associates who continue to rise to the occasion every year.”
