As Arizona experiences record-breaking heat, individuals currently unhoused or struggling financially are at a higher risk of hunger and life-threatening heat-related illnesses. To help combat this, Southwest Gas presented a check for $43,000 to St. Mary's Food Bank on July 29. These funds, which were made possible through the company’s FUEL for LIFE employee giving program will help support the general fund of the Phoenix-based food bank and provide support to those in the community and St. Mary’s network of 800 partner agencies. Over the course of 15 years, Southwest Gas has donated more than $400,000 to St. Mary’s through its Foundation and employee giving program.

In addition to the check presentation, Southwest Gas had 80 volunteers from their BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere) volunteer program onsite assembling emergency food boxes and 2,000 home delivery ‘Meals with Meaning’ kits in partnership with HelloFresh. The meal kits will be distributed to home-bound seniors within St. Mary’s delivery zone as yet another way to help those individuals stay in their homes by providing necessary items for weekly meals.

During the volunteer event, St. Mary’s Chief Development and Community Relations Officer Lisa Notaro surprised Southwest Gas representatives with St. Mary’s Hunger Hero Award for Southwest Gas’ dedication to fighting hunger and supporting their communities in Arizona.

“It's really inspiring to see how Southwest Gas steps up to take care of its communities by tackling critical issues like hunger. For years, they have supported St. Mary’s Food Bank by providing funding, time and advocacy, making them true hunger heroes,” said Notaro. “Thanks to the generous donation of $43,000, we will be able to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands in need throughout Arizona, offering immediate and unrestricted support.”

On average, St. Mary’s provides 1,000 food boxes and emergency items like Gatorade, water and shelf-stable food to 150 unhoused individuals a day at their main location in Phoenix. Additionally, they distribute 250,000 pounds of food daily to their partner agencies throughout Arizona and assist with unique needs like tent canopies, coolers or larger items like refrigerated vans thanks to the generosity of donors like Southwest Gas and others.

“St. Mary’s makes such an incredible impact across our state, providing critical resources and support for those in need,” said Laura Nelson, Vice President of Sustainability and External Affairs with Southwest Gas. “As a company, we believe in supporting a better quality of life for all in our communities. Our employees’ passion for giving back and making a positive impact toward a sustainable future is unparalleled. We are proud to support and partner with St. Mary’s and thank them for their commitment to that mission.”

For more information on Southwest Gas’ charitable giving, please visit swgas.com/en/charitable-giving.