Phoenix, Arizona - Wells Fargo is pleased to announce it is conducting its 9th Annual Summer Statewide Food Drive July 5-27.  The event collects donations for food banks that span the entire state with collection bins in all 253 Wells Fargo Community Banking stores throughout Arizona.

Donations will benefit members of the Association of Arizona Food Banks.  In 2015, Arizona food banks collectively distributed 124 million pounds of food – equivalent to more than 103 million meals, reaching Arizonans in need at 1,200 sites statewide.  People who wish to donate cash can send checks to their local food banks or to the Association of Arizona Food Banks whose mission is to deliver food and quality services to food banks and to foster relationships in support of their commitment to eliminate hunger.  Donations may be made online at http://www.azfoodbanks.org or sent to 2100 N. Central Ave., Ste. 230, Phoenix, Ariz. 85004.

“All of us at Wells Fargo are excited to continue our annual tradition of holding our Summer Statewide Food Drive to benefit Arizona food banks,” said Pam Conboy, lead regional president for Wells Fargo in Arizona. “Last summer we collected 41,749 pounds of food and raised $3,610.44 in cash donations to help Arizona food banks feed the hungry. Wells Fargo remains committed to supporting the communities we serve through our great state and this is just one way we do that.”

The needs of families and individuals around the state continue to be strong, according to the Association of Arizona Food Banks:

  • In Arizona, 17.1% of adults are food insecure
  • More than1 in 4 of Arizona children (27%)) suffer from food insecurity
  • At 41.5%, Apache County has the highest rate of child food insecurity in the country 

“Wells Fargo is once again working with us to end hunger in Arizona. This food drive couldn’t come at a better time, as food banks throughout Arizona experience high demand for services during the summer months when kids are out of school and utility bills are high. We’re so fortunate to have this tremendous support and partnership,” said Angie Rodgers, President and CEO of the Association of Arizona Food Banks.