Arizona has one of the highest rates of food insecurity with a very high percentage being children. Thousands of local kids who receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch at our schools during the school year find themselves without two of their three meals a day during the summer months. Summer meal programs are not available in all areas and often families are forced to turn to the Food Banks to help feed their families. 

Arizona PTA's Youth Committee is asking all PTAs to take the time this last month of school to help fill our food banks by holding food drives and ensure that no child goes hungry this summer.

How can you help?

Have the admission to your end of year dances, end of year sports programs, or promotion events include bringing canned food. Have a Stuff-the-Bus event by filling a bus with canned food! If holding a physical food drive is not feasible, considering holding a virtual food drive to Association of Arizona Food Banks directly.

For every $1 raised, food banks across Arizona can purchase 9 pounds of food - which equates to 7 meals! Share the link to your communities so that they can participate!

Non-perishable food Items most needed:

• Canned Protein: Chicken, Tuna, Chili, Beef Stew, Beans
• Canned Fruits & Vegetables: Tomatoes, Apricots, Peaches,
• Peas, etc.
• Enriched Pasta: Spaghetti, Macaroni & Cheese, etc.
• Peanut Butter
• Oatmeal & Cereal
• Dried Fruits & Nuts

What to avoid:

Products in glass containers such as spaghetti sauce. Glass Containers tend to break and make a mess. 

Let’s work together to make sure no child goes hungry this summer!