Features, February 2022

Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank Thanks Sun Lakes

Ellen Engel

Food insecurity is on the rise in Arizona as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among Hispanic households, households with children, and households who experienced a job disruption, according to a recent survey conducted by researchers at Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions in collaboration with the National Food Access and COVID Research Team (NFACT).

The researchers surveyed more than 600 households in Arizona between July 1 and Aug. 10, asking questions about participants’ perceived worries and challenges related to food access, as well as about behavioral changes and strategies adopted since the pandemic, in order to get a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on food security in Arizona.

Matthew’s Crossing is so grateful to their friends here in Sun Lakes who have stepped up their commitment to fight hunger in the East Valley. Hunger is a fact. Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank is what it is today because of the support from the residents of Sun Lakes and many other communities who are determined to fight hunger! Keep it up, Sun Lakes residents.

As we start a new year, several of our organizational donors are not meeting together. However, our donors that do meet together have donated as follows: Sun Lakes Duplicate Bridge Club, 35 pounds of food and $35; Unity of Sun Lakes, 42 pounds of food and $280; and Sun Lakes Country Club (box in lobby) 52 pounds of food.

Membership in local clubs and congregations is not a criterion for contributing. In fact, many individual donors show up at these two club-sponsored pickup points from all over Sun Lakes. The Bridge Club pickup takes place at the Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Alma School Road from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m., on the first Tuesday of each month. A collection point is also open during normal business hours at the Sun Lakes Country Club.

The food bank itself, which is located at 1368 Arizona Avenue in Chandler, also needs volunteers on a regular basis. If this opportunity interests you, please call their volunteer coordinator at 480-857-2296.

If you are a member of an organization or group that would like to support Matthew’s Crossing, Reach Out Sun Lakes (a small group of volunteers) would like to help. We arrange pickups and deliveries in Sun Lakes for this very worthwhile program. Contact Ellen Engel at 480-980-6841 or [email protected].