Desert Mission Food Bank provides produce as well as nonperishables, for complete and balanced nutrition. We teach our clients nutritional facts and healthy ways of using the food they receive. The Food Bank offers a variety of food programs to help those in need:
Emergency Food Box Program
The Emergency Food Box program serves nearly 5,000 people in crisis each month. All food is either donated or purchased with donated funds. These boxes include a nutritionally balanced, three-day supply of food for an entire family. To be eligible for an emergency food box, recipients must demonstrate a need, live in our service area and bring a piece of mail with name and address of each adult older than 18. Families may receive six emergency food boxes in a calendar year.
4th Street Market
The market, a part of Desert Mission Food Bank, helps eligible, low-income families stretch their food budget by purchasing food at significantly reduced prices. Unlike other food banks, we are uniquely designed in a "market" format so families can choose their own groceries from a wide selection of items.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program/Food Plus
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federally funded monthly food program that provides food to: 1) infants and children from low-income families; 2) pregnant, postpartum or nursing women; and 3) adults 60 years and older. Eligibility is determined by Maricopa County Health Services.
Infant Program
The infant emergency food program provides developmental appropriate food to children 0-12 months to include formula and diapers when available.
Snack Pac Backpack Program
This program is designed to assist at risk children in area schools who don't have food on the weekends. Children are assessed by school officials as at risk for comprised nutritional needs. We currently serve 14 schools and one senior center. The kid-friendly foods include cereal, pop-top soup, tuna fish, mac 'n' cheese and juice. The Snack Pac includes enough food for the weekend and enough for every sibling in the house.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Desert Mission Food Bank is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 ( TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.