FSL (Foundation for Senior Living) has received a $14,175 donation from the Arizona Food Bank Network to support their Wickenburg food pantry. The funds will help FSL keep up with increased demand for nutritious food for rural Maricopa County households that have been negatively impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic and resulting inflation.

“Due to financial hardship, we are seeing seniors being forced to choose between groceries and prescriptions,” said Tami Bohannon, CEO of FSL. “Our commitment is to alleviate the stress of this impossible decision. Thanks to the support of the Arizona Food Bank Network, we anticipate surpassing the 250,000 pounds of food boxes/bags distributed in Wickenburg last year.”

The donation will allow FSL to purchase the following items to improve the food bank operations by enabling the nonprofit to effectively move, store, and distribute more food:

• A much-needed freezer ($9,000)

• Electric pallet jack ($3,000)

• 10 food storage racks ($1,435)

• 4 polycarbonate food storage containers ($240)

• 4 plastic utility carts ($500)

FSL's Wickenburg food pantry regularly receives generous donations of frozen foods. However, the organization has encountered challenges in the past, having to decline some contributions due to insufficient freezer capacity. They also receive large pallets of food that, with only a manual pallet jack, are time-consuming and tiresome to move and distribute. Additionally, existing food storage capacity is limited.

“The Arizona Food Bank Network is proud to have contributed to capacity building at FSL's Wickenburg food pantry with funds graciously provided by Maricopa County, enabling them to expand their reach and aid more members of the community,” shared Wendy De La Peña, communications and outreach manager for the Arizona Food Bank Network. “While food security is essential year-round, the holidays can be especially trying for many families struggling with hunger. We hope that this grant comes just in time as the food pantry prepares for a busy time.”

This support from the Arizona Food Bank Network will facilitate the acquisition of essential resources, including a 3-section reach-in freezer, a fully electric pallet jack, food storage racks and containers, and utility carts. These critical additions will empower FSL to enhance operational efficiency and more effectively combat prevalent food insecurity in rural Maricopa County.


About FSL:

FSL is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide home and community-based services and to develop energy-efficient, affordable housing to promote health, independence and dignity for all. With a long history of helping Arizona families with issues including health, hunger, aging, illness, loneliness and substandard housing, FSL is committed to improving the quality of life for all Arizonans. To learn more about FSL programs and services, visit http://www.fsl.org.