The Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank has opened registrations for its annual Back to School Assistance Program to support local families.
The program provides registered preschool through eighth-grade students with a backpack, school supplies, a pair of shoes and two school uniforms at no cost. Families residing in Avondale, Buckeye, Cashion, Goodyear, Litchfield Park and Tolleson are eligible to apply.
Online registration is open through Sunday, May 31 at the organization's website. In-person registration is also available 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Palm Valley Church, l431 N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear.
To complete registration, applicants must upload or bring a photo ID, birth certificates or proof of guardianship for all children, proof of address and proof of income for all household members. Organizers noted that applications will not be accepted without complete documentation.
The drive comes at a critical time for the nonprofit, which has been stretched thin by a nearly 15% increase in families seeking emergency food assistance over the past year.
"People are working and doing everything they can, and it’s still not enough," said Leanne Leonard, executive director of the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank. "We’re seeing neighbors who have never needed assistance before walking through our doors."
Last year, the program served a record 868 students. With demand climbing due to rising living costs, the organization is seeking donations and sponsorships to help meet this year's need.
The cost to provide supplies for a single student is $50.
In addition to financial contributions, the food bank is facing a shortage of personnel. Operating with just two paid staff members, the nonprofit relies almost entirely on volunteer labor to sustain its daily operations.
Due to a lack of volunteers, the organization's clothing bank front desk and clothing warehouse are currently forced to operate only on Mondays and Thursdays.
Volunteers are needed 8 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday for a variety of roles, including front desk reception, food and clothing warehouse sorting and delivery drivers.
Founded nearly 30 years ago, the faith-based nonprofit serves about 50,000 people annually through emergency food boxes, a baby care program, mobile food pantries and a daily lunch sack program for unsheltered residents.
According to the organization, nearly 2 million Arizonans experience food insecurity each year, and one in three children in the state lives in poverty.
"Steady help is critical to keeping services available," Leonard said.
Those interested in registering, donating or volunteering can find more information 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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