In the wake of state budget reductions affecting numerous social service programs, the Association of Arizona Food Banks (AAFB) wishes to make the following statement:

The Arizona Department of Economic Security announced budgetary reductions impacting hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable citizens statewide. These cuts affect critical programs providing services to families and children, the elderly, the disabled, the homeless, the unemployed, and underemployed. Many of these people already use the services food banks provide. While the budgets of the AAFB and its member food banks were cut sparingly, relative to many other programs, the immediate impacts of these cuts will be shouldered by the state’s food banks and the community agencies they serve.

Food banks already experienced a 47.9% increase in demand for their services in the fourth quarter of 2008 and were planning even more, but the additional demand resulting from these cuts is much greater than could be anticipated. Now more than ever food banks turn to members of community for financial and volunteer support to meet the increasing challenges.

As this story unfolds, the AAFB will be at the forefront of providing critical information and response regarding the impact on member food banks and the community at large. AAFB welcomes inquiries to discuss how these budget reductions will impact Arizona.

For more information, to find a food bank or pantry in your area, or to learn more about donation and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.azfoodbanks.org.

Ginny Hildebrand,

President and CEO

Phoenix