As part of the Mesa CARES Initiative to meet the growing community need for food security resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Mesa and United Food Bank have expanded the number of days and hours of their food distribution efforts at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St.
Groceries will be distributed two days a week on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
"Expanding food distribution makes it easier for our residents to get the groceries they need," Mayor John Giles said. "We have partnered with the United Food Bank and shifted operations indoors to protect perishables and volunteers from rising temperatures while delivering fresh food directly to the trunks of awaiting cars."
Clients will pull up in their cars to register for food boxes. A City staff person or community volunteer will place the groceries in the trunk. Social distancing will be practiced throughout this process.
"We have seen the need for food in our community more than quadruple since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. With food now being distributed twice a week, we will get groceries to our clients more efficiently," United Food Bank President and CEO Dave Richins said.
Individuals and families needing food assistance may visit once per week to help spread clients across more days and times. There is no need to arrive early because everyone who comes during the scheduled days and times will receive the same food assistance. The new schedule will continue through August.
Feeding Mesa is a City of Mesa program that supports individuals and families impacted by COVID-19. Funding for Feeding Mesa comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
City of Mesa Public Information and Communications
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov
United Food Bank
Contact: Tyson Nansel
Tel. 602-318-1763
tnansel@unitedfoodbank.org