Maricopa County will make investments $500,000 to help meals insecure communities throughout the county, in response to a information launch posted on the county web site.
The county Board of Supervisors voted to speculate the cash within the Arizona Meals Financial institution Community at a proper assembly on Jan. 10.
The accepted funding provides to the $three million Maricopa County has already invested in Arizona meals banks to fight meals insecurity within the county. In 2021, Feeding America categorized 9.2% of Maricopa County residents (400,830 folks) as meals insecure, which means they lacked entry or sources to buy sufficient high-quality meals to reside a wholesome life. .
The information launch said that AFBN meals banks, which embody St. Mary’s Meals Financial institution, Neighborhood Meals Financial institution of Southern Arizona, Yuma Neighborhood Meals Financial institution, United Meals Financial institution and Desert Mission Meals Financial institution, have served almost 700,000 households and have offered greater than £11.four million. of meals within the final 12 months.
The extra $500,000 will proceed to assist meals insecure communities by AFBN by June 30, 2024, the top of the fiscal 12 months. This funding is a part of Maricopa County’s allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will likely be used to “distribute non-perishable meals, recent meals, federal produce, grocery donations and recent produce to each populations as meals insecure companies. who play a important position in serving meals insecure populations all through the county,” in response to the information launch.
Jack Sellers, who serves as board president and represents District 1, defined why this funding is critical for the county.
“Rising inflation has made it troublesome for Maricopa County households to cowl fundamental wants like meals, housing and gasoline,” Sellers mentioned. “Whereas there’s nonetheless work to be finished to curb rising prices, this continued collaboration with the Arizona Meals Financial institution Community is a significant option to put meals on the desk for households struggling to make ends meet.” .
This funding additionally provides to the greater than $399,000 accepted in December by the Neighborhood Providers Block Grant Funding Board for the cities of Avondale, Chandler, Shock, Tempe and Tolleson, which goals to offer housing and vitamin help to folks earnings certified and households inside these communities.