Foothills Food Bank Purchases New Facility
The Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, located in Cave Creek, Ariz., has purchased a new facility on East Hidden Valley Road in Cave Creek. The 5,000-square-foot facility will enable the food bank to serve the more than 9,000 individuals and families in the northern desert foothills. The former facility was 2,000 square feet.
The new Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center is located at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Road in Cave Creek.
To pay for its new home, the food bank has launched a $500,000 capital funding campaign.
“We all have been affected by the recession in recent years, and the people in our community have felt the impact of this economy more than many,” says Pam DiPietro, executive director.
“We have an increased number of individuals who live in their cars or in the desert. We also have food bank customers from very affluent areas. The recession has reached far and wide, sparing few in its path.”
DiPietro says that since 2008, the number of people seeking help has increased by more than 450 percent. More than 400 volunteers help keep the food bank doors open.
Estimates are that the food bank’s future operating location will allow it to serve families, individuals and seniors and to provide adequate food storage. Funds from the capital campaign will cover the purchase cost of the facility so the permanent home of the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center can maintain its Cave Creek base, as nearly 40 percent of the food bank’s customers are from the Cave Creek/Carefree area.
Renovations have begun, and food bank personnel expect to occupy the facility in May 2013. Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2013.
Donations can be made through the website or a check made out to Foothills Food Bank can be sent to P.O. Box 715, Carefree, AZ 85377.
Pam DiPietro can be reached at 480-488-1145 or via email to foothillsfoodbank@gmail.com.
