Economic series, Part 8: Food Bank |
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To establish an effective network for the procurement and distribution of food in a caring and efficient manner to serve hungry people through a variety of programs in Fountain Hills and the surrounding communities. Extended Hands Food Bank Director David Iverson said the current recession has definitely impacted operations at the local facility and its ability to meet the above mission statement. “Some people who used to come in regularly have seemed to move on,” he said. “They probably have moved out of the area. “And I’ve seen new people come in who never had to do this before.” As layoffs, forced furloughs and foreclosures continue to pile up in Maricopa County and beyond, those “on the edge” tend to seek help at the last minute. “A lot of people might be in a temporary situation,” Iverson said. “They might have lost their job, but they’ll find something else. “We are seeing a lot more unemployed people.” The Fountain Hills-based food bank on Laser Drive in late spring was forced to limit its service area so that nearby residents in need could have their needs met. “We basically limited it to the five local area codes, which includes north Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Fort McDowell and the Verdes,” said Iverson, who is also pastor of the Fountain Hills Christian Center. “We still help some people from north Mesa as well.” About 30 solid volunteers help out at Extended Hands Food Bank, assisting more than 1,500 individuals each month. Every week an estimated 7,000 pounds of food, fruit, vegetables, bread and dairy products are distributed. Bread and dairy items are picked up daily from local supermarkets and kept in coolers at the sparse facility. While it’s true that Fountain Hills boasts a higher income level than many other Arizona cities and town, the fact remains that some residents and nearby neighbors are in need. Iverson cites statistics showing that Arizona’s poverty rate is higher than the national average and that many children suffer because of it. More than 574,000 low-income children in Arizona participate in the National School Lunch Program, which provides free and reduced-price lunches. In addition, of those Arizonans 65 years and older, some 7.5 percent live in poverty. “Everyone here is just so kind,” said Kathy Weber, a Fountain Hills resident who utilized Extended Hands Food Bank after a medical injury. “The volunteers here – I’ve seen people come in with nice jewelry and those who haven’t showered in a while – and they treat everyone the same. “There’s no judgment here. They’re just here to help.” Postal carriers in late spring conducted a food drive in the Fountain Hills area in which homeowners were urged to leave non-perishable food items by their mailboxes. The effort brought in more than 12 tons of food for Extended Hands. About six tons of food was collected last year during a similar drive, so more than double the amount of food was donated in 2009. “That food will basically take us all the way through this summer,” Iverson said. “That’s how critical it is to us.” Catie Heidkamp, postal station manager in Fountain Hills, and Dermot Brown, delivery supervisor, said they were pleased to be able to assist the food bank in this manner. Some 49 carriers participated in the collection effort. “We also want to thank those residents who stopped by the post office to drop off food,” Brown said. “The carriers did a great job that day, and bringing in more food like that is a great service for the community. We’re happy to help.” Extended Hands Food Bank is located at 16524 E. Laser Drive, unit 9, and tax-deductible gifts can be sent to P.O. Box 18748 in Fountain Hills. Forms also can be downloaded on its Web site at www.ehfb.org for donation purposes. The facility also qualifies for giving through the Arizona Tax Credit Program since it assists the working poor. Information: 480-837-0303. Review:
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