Carlos Valles, a seasoned leader at the Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center, recently took on the additional responsibility of overseeing operations at the Marana Food Bank. This transition was set in motion to better cater to the needs of the community, leveraging mobile services to reach more distant areas and ensuring continued support for individuals previously served by the Marana Food Bank.

The Shift to Mobile Services:

The decision to transition to mobile services in Marana was prompted by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s assessment that mobile units would efficiently serve the broader geographic range of clients. Approximately 1,000 clients previously served by the Marana Food Bank, including those in Marana, Avra Valley, and Picture Rocks, found themselves at varying distances from the food bank services. The move to mobile services aimed to bridge this gap and reach the outlying areas more effectively.

Stakeholder Responses and Collaborations:

While this transition was supported by the Community Food Bank and Interfaith Community Services, Marana Mayor Ed Honea expressed a desire to maintain the food bank’s operations within the town. In response, a collaborative plan was proposed, with Valles appointed to oversee both the Sahuarita and Marana operations. To facilitate this, financial support was secured through initiatives such as the Marana Town Council’s approval of $150,000 for the first year of operation and a $100,000 pledge from the Pima County Board of Supervisors, with the potential for renewals in subsequent years.

Maintaining Continuity and Community Support:

Valles assured the community that the essence of the food banks would remain intact, preserving existing operating hours, volunteer involvement, and the drive-through model in Marana. Emphasizing community support, Valles highlighted that donations would continue to benefit the respective local communities where the food banks operate.

Future Plans and Sustainability:

Looking ahead, Valles envisions allocating a portion of his time to the Marana operation while maintaining a focus on expanding services in the future. With an emphasis on sustainability, an eight-person advisory board has been established to bolster donations and engage with local businesses in Marana. Valles also aims to introduce new programs in Marana akin to those successfully running in Sahuarita.

Commitment to Community Empowerment:

Valles emphasized the broader objective of empowering food bank clients toward independence. Understanding that sustained support can create life-changing impacts, the focus is not merely on food assistance but on creating pathways for individuals to secure livable wages, thereby reducing dependence on food bank services.

Continued Collaboration for Community Welfare:

While the transition unfolds, the Community Food Bank remains committed to supporting the Marana community through emergency food box deliveries for students and senior meals. Additionally, efforts are underway to fortify pantry partnerships and ensure a steady supply of resources to local pantries, including the Marana Resource Center.

Conclusion:

The transition in food bank operations in Marana signifies an evolution aimed at better serving the community’s needs. With a focus on continuity, expansion, and empowering individuals, the collaborative efforts seek to strengthen community ties and create pathways towards self-sufficiency for those in need.