September is National Hunger Action Month and food pantries are helping to ensure local Surprise families have access to essential resources.

The Phoenix Rescue Mission’s Hope for Hunger Food Bank has launched a free mobile pantry program that helps bridge the gap by bringing food assistance to neighborhoods across the Valley.

The program operates at locations in Laveen, Phoenix, Surprise and South Scottsdale to provide essential pantry staples and, in some cases, fresh food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

Over the past year, the Mobile Pantry program has recorded more than 2,600 household visits and helped provide food assistance to more than 8,000 individuals, according to a media release.

A mobile pantry will be  available from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Christ Church of the Valley (CCV Church) at 14787 W. Cholla Street  in Surprise.

The Sunset Hills Bobcat Food Pantry also seeks donations of nonperishable food items and gently used clothing to support Sunset Hills families and students in need.

A media release noted community members can take donations to the front office at Sunset Hills Elementary School, 17825 W. Sierra Montana Loop, in Surprise.