As we have heard first hand and, in the media, the current pause in the federal government’s disbursements from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is adversely impacting several hundreds of thousands of people in Arizona and millions across the country. SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits to low-income families to afford healthy food. As people of Hope, we know we are called to bring hope to our neighbors. In response to this need, Esperanza’s Community Outreach Team is inviting Esperanza members and friends to participate in a Countdown to Hope.
Here are some opportunities to help those in need:
1. Donate non-perishable food to St. Mary’s Food Bank. Bring the food with you to church before November 30. Before or following church service, in the lower parking lot, the Community Outreach Team will transfer the food to vehicles for delivery to St. Mary’s on the following Monday.
Donations totaling 500 lbs. were received on November 16 and 23. Thank you! Our challenge goal is 750 lbs.
a. Following are the most needed items: i. Canned vegetables. ii. Peanut butter. iii. Canned fruit. iv. Rice and beans. v. Canned soup. vi. Cereal. vii. Canned protein (Ex: tuna) viii. Pasta
b. If possible, bring food in boxes. Esperanza has to deliver the food to St. Mary’s in boxes.
2. Continue your strong giving of non-perishable food for the Kyrene Family Resource Center, and if possible, ramp up donations.
3. Make financial donation directly to St. Mary’s Foodbank at https://www.stmarysfoodbank.org/
Claim the donation on 2025 Arizona Income Tax return (Arizona Charitable Tax Credit). Confirm with tax professional. Any questions, please contact Larry Hanson/Community Outreach Team at [email protected]
Thank you.