As federal food assistance stalls during the ongoing government shutdown, one Goodyear community group is turning concern into action and filling trunks with food for neighbors in need.
The grassroots organization GATHER has launched a weeklong food drive to support local families facing delays in receiving their November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The drive runs Nov. 3–7, from 5 to 7 p.m. daily, at 10300 Estrella Parkway, near North Lake in Estrella.
Donations of nonperishable food like rice, peanut butter, pasta, cereal, and canned goods will go to the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank, which serves residents across the southwest Valley.
“This is what community looks like — people coming together to make sure their neighbors have food on the table,” said Jen Spencer, GATHER’s founder. “Arizona families are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to face hunger alone.”
The food bank has seen a sharp rise in visitors as families wait for federal benefits to resume. Executive Director Leanne Leonard said the organization served more than twice its usual number of families in the first two days of November.
“We’ve never seen numbers like this,” Leonard said. “Many people walking through our doors have never needed help before. They’re doing everything right, but with SNAP paused, they just can’t make ends meet.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 887,000 Arizonans depend on SNAP to buy groceries. The Arizona Department of Economic Security said it’s ready to release November benefits as soon as funding is approved but continues to follow federal direction to pause distribution during the shutdown.
For GATHER volunteers, the goal is simple: meet the need that’s right in front of them.
“We just want to do our part,” said Sandy Robinson, one of GATHER’s organizers and founders. “This community means a lot to us, and right now people are feeling the strain of rent and groceries. Everything costs more. If we can lighten that load a little, that’s what we’re here for.”
On the first night of the drive, the group filled a delivery car’s trunk in the first half hour. Residents stopped by steadily, many saying they were motivated by frustration over the federal holdup but also by compassion for their neighbors.
“Normally I’ll donate to Goodwill,” said Kelly Naylor, who dropped off food Monday evening. “But when I heard people might not get their benefits this month, I couldn’t sit back. Whoever needs help, my heart is with them.”
At Agua Fria, volunteers are already preparing holiday food boxes for hundreds of families. Leonard said the goal isn’t just to provide groceries, it’s to help restore a sense of normalcy and dignity.
“People still want to share a holiday meal with their loved ones,” she said. “They still want to see their kids’ faces light up. Our job is to make sure that joy doesn’t disappear just because of circumstances beyond their control.”
The food bank, which has been serving the community for nearly 30 years, depends almost entirely on volunteers, a need that’s grown alongside the demand for resources.
“We only have two paid staff members,” Leonard said. “Every other pair of hands is a volunteer. Anyone who can give even a few hours a month makes a real difference.”
How to help
GATHER’s food drive runs through Nov. 7, with collections each evening from 5–7 p.m. at 10300 Estrella Parkway or drop items off at the Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank at 405 E Harrington Dr. in Avondale.
Requested items include canned vegetables, beans, soup, rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula, cooking oil, and shelf-stable milk.
Volunteers for GATHER are also welcome to help sort and transport donations.
At Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank, the team is asking for volunteers during their weekday hours and continued community donations.
“Yes, this is a challenging time,” Leonard said. “But every bag of food, every hour volunteered, it’s proof that hope is still stronger than hardship.”
For more information, visit affcb.org or email gathercoalition@gmail.com.
For updates on Nutrition Assistance benefits, visit des.az.gov/na.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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