Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank saw a nearly 15% increase in families seeking emergency food assistance in 2025, as rising costs, employment disruptions and interruptions in public benefits pushed more households to seek help across the southwest Valley.
The faith-based nonprofit, which serves residents throughout Avondale, Goodyear and surrounding areas said demand climbed steadily throughout the year, with many clients visiting the food bank for the first time.
“People are working and doing everything they can, and it’s still not enough,” said Executive Director Leanne Leonard, who has led the organization for 10 years. “We’re seeing neighbors who have never needed assistance before walking through our doors.”
One of the organization’s most utilized services is its Daily Lunch Sacks program for unsheltered neighbors. In 2025, the food bank distributed a record number of lunch sacks, serving more than 1,700 additional meals compared with the previous year. Each sack includes a protein or main dish, granola bar, fruit snack, fresh fruit, dessert, chips or crackers, bottled water and an additional beverage.
Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank also expanded support through its Baby Care Program, which serves 25 infants each month with diapers, wipes and formula. As children grow, families receive additional items such as rice cereal, baby food and 100% apple juice. The program maintained a waitlist of about 10 babies throughout the year.
“Our goal is to support parents and guardians during incredibly vulnerable moments,” Leonard said. “Providing essentials helps promote healthy development and gives families peace of mind.”
To supplement its emergency food boxes, the organization hosts mobile food pantries on the first and third Saturdays of each month at Barbara Robey Elementary School. The pantries provide additional groceries to help families stretch food supplies when a single box is not enough.
Founded nearly 30 years ago, Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank provides food, clothing and support services to about 50,000 people annually. The organization reports that nearly 2 million Arizonans experience food insecurity each year, and one in three children in the state lives in poverty.
Leonard said the surge in demand has intensified the need for consistent volunteers during regular operating hours.
“We have two paid staff members,” she said. “Everything else is powered by volunteers, and steady help is critical to keeping services available.”
More information about Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank, including ways to donate or volunteer, is available at affcb.org.
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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