SRP Employees Set New Record in Annual Food Drive

SRP employees collected more than 19,650 cans of food and raised more than $42,000 during this year’s annual food drive, making it the most successful campaign in the program’s history and providing critical support to St. Mary’s Food Bank and United Food Bank.

The donations will help both organizations meet growing demand for food assistance and provide 187,235 meals to children, seniors and families experiencing food insecurity across Arizona.

“Food insecurity can affect anyone, and at SRP, we recognize the critical role food banks play in supporting the well-being of our communities,” said Anita Tarango, Manager of Corporate Giving at SRP. “We're incredibly proud of the generosity of SRP employees and their commitment to supporting neighbors in need through their donations and volunteer service.”

Food banks across Arizona continue to report growing demand for assistance. Rising costs of living, coupled with changes to government food assistance programs, have led to increased need throughout the state. In the Phoenix area, food banks have reported demand increases of approximately 15% over the past year, with some rural communities experiencing increases of up to 25%.

"St. Mary's would like to thank SRP and its generous employees for supporting this year's food drive," said Milt Liu, president and CEO of St. Mary's Food Bank. "Summer is one of the most challenging times of the year as demand rises while many families face additional financial pressures. This donation will provide approximately 146,960 meals and could not have come at a better time."

This year, SRP adjusted the timing of its annual food drive to ensure food and financial donations reach local food banks during the summer months, when need is especially high.

“We are deeply grateful to the entire team at SRP for stepping up during a year when so many Arizonans have faced financial hardship and struggled to make ends meet,” said Jason Reed, CEO of United Food Bank. “Food insecurity has reached some of the highest levels we’ve seen in recent years, making support like this more important than ever. We are incredibly thankful for SRP’s generous donation, which will help us provide nutritious meals to individuals and families experiencing hunger throughout our community.”

Since the launch of the annual food drive in 2017, SRP employees have donated more than 74,600 cans of food and $227,900 to support hunger-relief efforts across Arizona. This year's record-breaking campaign reflects employees' ongoing commitment to helping neighbors in need and strengthening the communities they serve.

Community members interested in supporting hunger-relief efforts can learn more or make a donation by visiting stmarysfoodbank.org and unitedfoodbank.org.