Join the Fight Against Food Insecurity: Support ICS Annual Fall Food Drive This October
The annual Fall Food Drive, the largest food initiative of the year at ICS, mobilizes the community throughout October to collect essential pantry staples and holiday foods for the Northwest and Mobile Food Banks. This effort ensures that families facing food insecurity and seeking help at an ICS food bank can enjoy a special holiday meal.
ICS invites community members to donate holiday food items such as instant potatoes, yams, canned cranberries, canned vegetables (including green beans and corn), boxed and bagged stuffing mix, boxed baking mixes (like Bisquick and Jiffy cornbread mix), gravy packets, and canned pumpkin. Other high-need food bank items include peanut butter, canned meats (such as tuna, chicken, and Spam), meals in a can (like chili and ravioli), canned fruit and vegetables, as well as canned pasta sauce and pasta.
“Food donations are more than just a meal; they are a lifeline for families in crisis,” says Tom McKinney, CEO of ICS. “Addressing this immediate need lays the foundation for stability and resilience, ultimately fostering a stronger and more connected community.”
ICS food banks have seen a significant increase in demand compared to this time last year. According to the October 2023 Census Bureau’s Pulse Survey, nearly 28 million adults nationwide were living in households where there was not enough food to eat in the last week. Rising food prices continue to stretch family budgets, and food banks nationwide are expanding services to meet growing demand.
Donations can be dropped off at any ICS office or at public locations, including Reid Park Zoo, Tucson-area Edward Jones branches, Sporting Chance, Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center, and the Town of Oro Valley Administration office. Visit https://www.icstucson.org/fallfood for more information about the 2024 Fall Food Drive.