Wells Fargo supports food bank in annual drive
Jul 22, 2012 (Menafn - The Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --Wells Fargo's annual summer food drive is currently under way. Food donations may be dropped off in collection bins placed in all Wells Fargo Community Banking stores throughout the state, including Yuma's five locations, through Aug. 6.
Donations will benefit the Yuma Community Food Bank, a member of the Association of Arizona Food Banks, which collectively distributed more than 131 million pounds of food last year -- a record and enough to provide 299,000 meals every day through 1,600 sites.
Cash donations are also being accepted. People who wish to donate cash can send checks to the Association of Arizona Food Banks, 2100 N. Central Ave., Suite 230, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Donations also may be made online at http://www.azfoodbanks.org.
"Our statewide food drive has become an annual Arizona Wells Fargo tradition that all of our team members look forward to," said Pam Conboy, regional president for Wells Fargo Regional Banking in Arizona.
"Last summer we collected 60 tons of food, equivalent to over 109,000 meals, and I am confident our efforts this year will continue strong."
She noted that Wells Fargo is committed to supporting local communities "and I know our great team will do all we can to help provide food to so many in need throughout Arizona."
Needs of families and individuals around the state continue to be strong, according to the Association of Arizona Food Banks:
--1 in 5 (21 percent) of Arizonans live in poverty (22,350 or less for a family of four)
--1 in 4 (25 percent) of Arizona children under the age of 18 live in poverty
--19 percent of Arizonans, including 29 percent of children, are food insecure and do not have enough to eat
--1 in 3 Arizonans are considered "working poor" and may not always have enough to eat
"Almost one in five Arizonans struggles with hunger, and the record levels of demand at our food banks indicates just how many of our friends and neighbors are in need," Ginny Hildebrand, association president and CEO, said.
"Food banks throughout Arizona are pleased to once again partner with Wells Fargo on this annual food drive, especially during the summer months when food donations slow down tremendously. It is companies like Wells Fargo that truly can make an impact."
Mara Knaub can be reached at mknaub@yumasun.com or (928) 539-6856. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSMaraKnaub or on Twitter at @YSMaraKnaub.
Drop off food donations at these Wells Fargo locations in Yuma:
--500 W. 24th St.
--790 W. Catalina Dr.
--3121 S. 4th Ave. (Big Curve Shopping Center)
--1 E. 16th St.
--2507 S. Avenue B
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