As the holiday season approaches, we are bracing for a wave of need unlike anything we’ve seen. Ever. The recent government shutdown has already strained families across northern Arizona. The looming lapse in SNAP benefits threatens to push many to the breaking point, forcing impossible choices between food, rent, and medicine.
At the Flagstaff Family Food Center, we are preparing for a surge in demand and remain committed to our mission of ensuring that no family goes hungry. In times like these, the strength of our community shines brightest. We are deeply grateful for every partner, donor, and volunteer who helps keep hope alive for our neighbors.
Once again, we are proud to partner with Mountain Line, the City of Flagstaff, and Coconino County for our 10th annual Stuff the Bus food drive. This year’s event will take place over the weekend of November 8th and 9th at two Safeway location: 1201 S. Plaza Way and 1500 E. Cedar Ave.
From 9 am to 5 pm on both days, volunteers will greet shoppers and collect donations of food and funds to help provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need. Shoppers can also pick up a list of our most-needed items, and monetary gifts are always welcome. If you’d like to volunteer, you can sign up here.
During the Saturday Stuff the Bus, we will also celebrate our partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union. There will be a check presentation at 9:30 a.m. at the Safeway on S. Plaza Way. This is another wonderful opportunity to recognize the generosity and support of our community.
Last year, more than 11,000 pounds of food was collected during Stuff the Bus! This includes 297 turkeys, and more than $4,000 in donations were raised.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host our inaugural Holiday Helpings Thanksgiving distribution (also known as Turkey Tuesday), on Tuesday, November 25th, at Northern Arizona University’s Facilities Parking Lot.
This drive-thru event will provide full Thanksgiving meals to more than 800 households! It would not be possible without the incredible support of volunteers, our partners at NAU Facility Services, NAU Police Department, Lumberjack Care Center, NAU Foundation, Louie’s Cupboard, and so many other community groups. Approximately 170 volunteer hours are being coordinated with NAU’s Axe of Service through the Center for Service and Volunteerism.
Every donation of food, funds, or time makes a real difference in the lives of families in our community and embodies our mission of Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Every Day.
Sincerely,
Ethan Amos
President & CEO
Flagstaff Family Food Center
Resilience on the Rim
The Grand Canyon food pantry was founded during the last major shutdown in 2018–2019, and supports hundreds of households each week.
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The very first neighbor who embodied our mission of Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Every Day was the man who started FFFC almost 35 years ago, George McCullough.
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