Jim Meagher

The hunger problem in the East Valley seems to move in one direction: up. On a July 30 year-to-date basis, the number of people who are relying on Matthew’s Crossing for much of their food supply has increased, while the quantity of food to satisfy that need has diminished. The law of supply and demand is at work in 2023 with no relief in sight. One of the primary sources of food to Matthew’s Crossing, which they, in turn, distribute from their location in North Chandler, is the major food store chains. This year they are providing a smaller volume of food to Matthew’s Crossing than in previous years. Matthew’s Crossing has never needed the generosity of the Sun Lakes community more than they do right now. In fact, they are serving twice the number of people they were working with only a few years ago.

Reach Out Sun Lakes (ROSL) is your organization run by Sun Lake residents who pick up food and financial contributions that residents leave at our collection sites named below. ROSL volunteers pick up these donations and bring them to Matthew’s Crossing throughout the month. Making contributions of food and/or financial donations at one of the sites that partners with ROSL is an easy and effective way to be part of the solution. The collection sites and their June 30 year-to-date results are as follows: Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club (meeting at Risen Savior Lutheran Church): 890 pounds of food and $410 cash. Collection for the Bridge Club is on the second Tuesday of each month in the south parking lot between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. The Democratic Club of Sun Lakes: 168 pounds of food and $890 cash. The Democratic Club pickup is before their meeting each month in the east parking lot at Sun Lakes Country Club. Unity Church: 156 pounds of food and $570 cash. The Unity Church community members contribute in this manner. Sun Lakes Country Club (Phase 1): 78 pounds of food. Donations may also be left at Sun Lakes Country Club during their normal working hours at any time in a donation box at the front desk.

Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank is located at 1368 Arizona Avenue in Chandler and needs volunteers on a regular basis. If this opportunity interests you, please call their volunteer coordinator at 480-857-2296.

For more information on ROSL, contact Jim Meagher of ROSL at 630-346-1966 or [email protected].