Here's The Skinny . . . on Obesity in Arizona
According to a study released in 2010, Arizona had the largest increase in obesity in the US in the years 2003-2007. Over 18% of children 10-17 were found to be obese; nationally the figure is 16.4%. When you add in the figures for children who are overweight, 48.2% of Arizona's children are considered overweight or obese. For the population as a whole, the percentage of Arizona residents considered either overweight or obese was 45% on 1990, 52% in 2000, and 64% (2 out of 3 residents) in 2010.

Tyson Steps Up (Again) to Feed Those in Need in Arizona

Even as statistics show the increase in those living in poverty in Arizona, Tyson Foods has once again stepped in to help. Today they delivered over 30,000 pounds of chicken products to St. Mary's Food Bank, to be delivered to its partner agencies throughout the state. This is the fifth time during the last two years that Tyson has made a similar delivery to feed those in need.

Water, Water, Everywhere . . . Thanks to Scottsdale Insurance

There are fewer things more necessary, and valuable, in an Arizona summer than water. Recently the Food Bank's shelves were almost bare of water, making it difficult to provide this necessity to our agency partners.

But that's before Scottsdale Insurance decided to hold a staff-driven water drive. During the month of July, their employees filled 24 pallets with almost 27,000 pounds of water (that's almost 1600 bottles).

Get Your "Blues" on This Saturday and Help St. Mary's
1st String Productions and the El Dorado Bar & Grill are channeling Jake & Elwood this Saturday. "Blues for Food" takes place on June 18 from 9pm to 1am. There will be music by Toolshed and a costume contest with prizes. All guests are requested to bring at least 3 non-perishable food items. El Dorado is located at 8708 E. McDowell in Scottsdale.

U-haul does Heavy Lifting for St. Mary's

Over the years, U-haul has been an important partner in the Food Bank's fight against hunger in Arizona. Earlier this month, over 30 U-haul volunteers packed over 1,000 emergency food boxes. Annually, the firm makes financial donations, holds a turkey drive for the Holidays, and sponsors various programs. In addition, many U-haul locations serve as auxiliary drop-off locations for food donations.

Will a Plate Replace the Pyramid?
After a 20-year run, the food pyramid is about to be replaced by the USDA. Speculation is that it will be replaced by a round dinner plate, its surface divided to show how much of the various food groups should be consumed during a meal. Many in the food/diet community feel that it's about time; they feel the the pyramid was too complicated and the plate (if that's what the replacement is to be) will be much easier to understand. They also feel that 1/2 the plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables, and the plate should be a salad plate, to emphasize the need for smaller portions.

Come "Rock 'N Box" with us; Spend a Great Evening at the Food Bank

Now in its fourth year, Rock 'N Box offers the opportunity to volunteer at St. Mary's after work. There's a DJ spinning the hits, free food and sodas, and the opportunity to mingle with fellow volunteers from the corporate and non-profit world. So put together a group and join us at 5:30pm on any of the following dates: June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23, and September 13 & 27. For more info, call 602 343-5638.

The Rattlers Step Up to Help St. Mary's
The Arizona Rattlers, one of Arena Football's top teams, are holding a food drive to help the Food Bank. Any fan bringing 5 cans of food to the Food Bank (2831 N. 31st Ave., PHX 85009) will receive a voucher good for two tickets to the 5/28 game vs. Cleveland. Then bring one can to the game and be entered in a raffle for a team-signed football.

Here's a win-win-win oportunity!
Get the News and Save a Tree
The Horn of Plenty (St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance newsletter) is now available online 24/7, keeping you in the loop on what's been happening, and what's up-coming, at the Food Bank. Check it out at: http://blog.firstfoodbank.org/horn-of-plenty-newsletter/.

Step up to Help Stamp Out Hunger
On Saturday, May 14, the National Association of Letter Carriers will once again be conducting a nation-wide food drive. This event began over 30 years ago in Phoenix and is now the country's largest food drive; over 1 billion pounds has been collected so far. On Saturday, leave a bag of non-perishable food items at your mailbox and your letter carrier will take care of the rest. Last year's event raised over 420,000 pounds for St. Mary's.

Libraries Step up to Help the Food Bank
The Phoenix Library's "Food 4 Fines" food drive has just completed. People paid-off overdue book fees by donating food items, which went to St. Mary's. It's amazing how many overdue books are out there: this year's drive collected over 25,000 pounds of food!

Come to the FAIR . . . and aid St. Mary's

The Maricopa County Fair runs from April 13-18 at the Fairgrounds (19th Ave. & McDowell). If you bring 3 cans of food after 3pm on the 13th or 14th you get a reduced adult admission. You can help yourself and help those in need.

Help Those in Need . . . by Getting in Bed With Mark

Valley radio personality Mark Mayfield is getting in bed again to help St. Mary's. For three days, April 6-8, Mark will be sleeping in a Sleep America bed in Glendale, Tempe Marketplace and Paradise Valley Mall. So bring a few non-perishible items and stop by, say hello to Mark and help St. Mary's help those in need.

Get a Beautiful Ceramic Bowl and Help St. Mary's
On March 24th, Sunrise Mountain HS will hold its 2nd Annual Empty Bowls Charity Dinner. From 6-8:00pm participants will receive dinner, entertainment, and a hand-made ceramic bowl. Admission is $10, and all the proceeds will go to St. Mary's. Sunrise Mountain is located at 21200 N. 83rd Ave. in Peoria. For more info, contact Kim Migliorino at the school, 623 487-5125.

Sweet Orange Scab puts end to St. Mary's Gleaning Project
The USDA has placed a quarantine on all Arizona citrus because of an outbreak of Sweet Orange Scab (SOS). This disease, which effects only the skin, causing scab-like lesions, does not effect the taste of the citrus. As a result of the USDA's action, St. Mary's is terminating its Gleaning Program effective immediately. However, the Food Bank will continue to accept donations of citrus from the public.

This Weekend's Symphony Concerts to Aid St. Mary's

The Phoenix Symphony will be holding a food drive for St. Mary's at this weekend's Pops Concerts. Featuring the music of Simon & Garfunkel, and performed by Jim "Piano Man"Whiten, the concerts take place at 8:00pm on the 18th and 19th, and at 2:00pm on Sunday the 20th. And in a special kids-friendly concert, the Symphony will feature "Rhythms of the Earth" music on the 19th at 2:30pm. So bring a few cans of non-perishable food to Symphony Hall and enjoy the music of Paul & Art!

Phoenix Company Comes through in a BIG Way
Freeport McMoRan, the world's largest publicly-traded copper mining company, recently completed a food drive for St. Mary's. In addition to 600 pounds of food, employees contributed $1,375, matched 2 for 1 by the McMoRan Foundation. As a result, the food drive contributed the equivalent of 29,475 meals!

Hunger Hurts, and its Effects are Devastating and Widespread
Last Sunday, CBS "Sixty Minutes" ran a story on poverty and hunger and the toll it takes on children and families. Although that story takes place in Florida, in reality it could have been filmed anywhere in the country. The children recount the problems, including food insecurity, caused when one or both parents lose their jobs. To view the segment, visit http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7358670n&tag=contentMain;contentAux.

You Won't Believe Your Eyes

Canstruction is now in place at City Scape in downtown Phoenix. See the amazing things that bright minds can build with food. And when you visit, be sure to bring a few cans of food for St. Mary's Food Bank.

They're Amazing . . . and they're made out of Cans

It's Canstruction time once again. Twelve teams will be competing to create amazing creations, all made entirely from food cans. The competition will be held at CityScape in downtown Phoenix, from March 7-12. At the conclusion of the competition, all the cans will be donated to St. Mary's. There will also be a food drive at the event, so come on down and bring a few cans of food.

1 in 4 Kids in AZ goes to bed Hungry; here's how U can Help

The 10th Annual Kids Cafe Open tees off on April 8 at the world famous Wigwam Resort. Enjoy the championship courses and support the Food Bank's program, which provides 2,800 after-school meals to kids throughout the Valley. To become a sponsor, or to sign up your foursome, visit http://www.firstfoodbank.org/ or call 602 343-3148.

Homelessness Growing in Maricopa County

Recent statistics from the Dept. of Economic Security indicate that there are currently as many as 30,000 homeless people in Maricopa County. Current information indicates that, of that figure: 20% are under 18, 30% are families with children, 27% are female victims of domestic abuse, and 12% are veterans.

Thanks to the Gleaners

Kudos to those people who participated the the Food Bank's Super Duper Citrus Saturday. They gleaned their own trees and brought over 15,000 pounds of citrus to our three location this past Saturday. This bring the toal collected for the two Saturdays to almost 80,000 pounds.

Good Carma From St. Mary's Propels Jeff Gordon to Victory

After his racecar made a personal appearance at St. Mary's Food Bank on Feb. 24, Jeff Gordon broke a streak of 66 straight losses when he won the NASCAR Subway Fresh-Fit Race at PIR on Sunday. [Thanks also go to the AARP Foundation, one of Gordon's sponsors, for donating $10,000 to St. Mary's - enough to provide 70,000 meals to those in need.]

Help the Food Bank . . . and Ruin a Roof Rat's Day

Following up on the success of the Food Bank's "Super Citrus Saturday" last month (61,000lbs. collected), "Super Duper Citrus Saturday" will be held this Saturday from 9a-2p at the same three locations: Shepherd of the Hills Church in Arcadia, North Phoenix Baptist Church at Central Ave. & Bethany Home Rd., and Surprise (13050 W. Elm Ave.). So glean your trees and bring the fruit to us.

What If 2010

What If . . . You could be Inspired, Enthused, and Entertained
Well you can . . . by clicking on the video below, and you'll see what makes St. Mary's Food Bank click.

Starbucks Volunteers in a Big Weigh
A group of 50 Starbucks employees brought their infectious enthusiasm to the Food Bank today. In addition to packing food boxes, they also joined The Biggest Loser's Pound for Pound Challenge. You too can take up the Challenge by visiting www.pfpchallenge.com, clicking on the "Pledge" link and following the prompts. Just remember to use the 85009 zip code and put in foodbank1 as your password. For each pound pledged, St. Mary's will receive $.11.

Experience Hunger First Hand
On March 5, Coconino Community College in Flagstaff will be holding a Hunger Banquet. This unique event lets people experience what almost 70% of the world eats - a small bowl of rice and beans - as their only meal of the day. Come prepared for an enjoyable and thought-provoking evening. For more information, visit http://flagstaffrotary.org/.

Get Behind the "Drive to End Hunger"
NASCAR is coming to Phoenix this week, and Jeff Gordon, NASCAR, and the AARP Foundation are combining to create the Drive to End Hunger. NASCAR fans (and everyone else) are being encouraged to bring a can of food and visit St. Mary's 31st Ave. location on Feb. 24 to see Jeff Gordon's No.24 race car. It'll be on display from 9am-Noon. So come on down and join the Drive.

Washington to Require Healthier School Lunches

In an effort to reverse the rapid increase in obesity among children, the government is requiring school districts in Arizona, and across the country, to make substantial changes in the school lunches they offer to their students. The new regulations, which could be implemented as early as the coming school year, require a reduction in salt content, and an increase in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Many school districts in the state, already hard pressed financially, expressed concern about the new regulations. One official noted that the new meals are projected to cost an additional $.14/lunch, with Washington expected to cover less than half of that. The official also noted that while the lunches will be healthier, "the kids won't like it."

Your Loss is our Gain
"The Biggest Loser" is again holding the Pound for Pound Challenge. For every pound you pledge to lose, the show's sponsors will donate 11cents to a local food bank. So go to www.pfpchallenge.com, click on "Pledge Now', then follow the prompts. Use zip code 85009 (St. Mary's zip) and the password foodbank1. Last year, St. Mary's realized over $10,000 from the Challenge. [And remember, no one will visit you to see if you lost the weight.]

Yes they CAN

Canstruction is coming to the Valley. Beginning on March 5th and through the 11th, the public can view the ingenious creations of 12 teams, built entirely out of cans. Everything will be on display at CityScape in downtown Phoenix. Stop by and vote for the "People's Choice" Award. Afterwards, all the cans will be donated to St. Mary's Food Bank.