Three Arizona-based nonprofits are teaming up with the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee during this year’s NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament to alleviate hunger and divert food waste from the landfills. Waste Not, United Food Bank and St. Mary’s Food Bank will be rescuing surplus food from the tournament and delivering it to the Arizonans in need.

About 2,000 pounds of food were collected in the first pickup on Sunday, April 7. That food was distributed to the Mark Allen Foundation and the West Valley Community Food Pantry. The second round of food rescue will be collected on Tuesday, April 9.

Waste Not has rescued surplus food from the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the 2023 World Series and Super Bowl LVII, among others. Once the food has been collected, it is then distributed to those in need. The organization works to promote sustainable solutions year-round.

United Food Bank, Waste Not and St. Mary’s Food Bank work daily to combat hunger and eliminate food waste by providing essential food items to Arizona-based schools, churches, food banks and pantries, seniors centers and more. These food items can include but are not limited to produce, protein, canned goods and grains.

As the food rescue supporters of the 2024 NCAA Men’s Final Four, these three nonprofit organizations are asking for donations to ensure that this work continues beyond the event. To make a donation or learn more information about the food rescue partnership between Waste Not, United Food Bank and St. Mary’s Food Bank, visit feedaz.org.