TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Grocery costs are higher than ever, leaving many Tucsonans in a precarious situation; not being able to satisfy fundamental needs. However, there is a local organization that seeks to meet this need head-on.
With situations requiring transportation in mind, Interfaith Community Services’ (ICS) 12th Cellular Food Bank is bringing food to a much larger community.
Community member Sharon Warrior-Burkley stopped by and with her two neighbors who do not have transportation.
“Just having this where I can drive and get to my neighborhood is wonderful,” Warrior-Burkley said.
Food costs rose by about 6% in 2023, according to the U. S. Department of Agriculture. U. S. Today, ICS has served canned goods, produce, and meat to 32 households.
Every third Wednesday of the month, you can locate ICS outdoors at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church from 8:30 a. m. to 8:30 a. m. m. a 9:30 p. m.
The nonprofit serves another location just a mile away, in Goodwill of Southern AZ, every third Thursday of the month, but says it wants to reach out to a new people organization in the 85713 zip code.
“We looked at the demographic map and saw that the need here was impoverished,” said Brandon “B-Love” Miller, ICS cellular pantry coordinator. “So we were basically looking to fill that need. “
Warrior-Burkley used to go to the local food bank, but over time distancing has become an issue.
“I have serious mobility problems and I have a stroller and if I had to go to the food bank a lot,” he said. “I could not do it”.
ICS needs to stop when food is lacking, either by car or on foot.
“There’s no limit, like the company allows me to say, ‘Hey, bring this empty truck if you can, so it’s rewarding. ‘ As long as I can bring it in empty, I know I’ve done my part,” Miller said.
Details of ICS’s cellular food bank sites are here.
——Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia reporter at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, Arizona, she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Today, this University of Alberta wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and can’t wait to care about the community. Share her story concepts with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline. aguilar@kgun9. com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or
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