1982 – Apache Junction Reach Out organized when DES recognized the need for a food bank.
1983 – 1989 – AJ Reach Out was incorporated in the State of AZ
- From the beginning our policy has been to provide 3 to 5 days of food per month.
- Originally we looked to the churches for support.
- For the first 6 months distribution took place at the City Community Service office and then at St George Catholic Church from 1983-1989.
1984 – We received our first block grant from Community Action Human Resources Agency (C.A.H.R.A.). Our volunteers contributed 600 hours a month, ~65,000 since inception.
1988 – Declaration granted in November for tax exempt status under IRS code 501(c)(3).
1991 – We moved our facility to South Ironwood.
1993 – Pinal County planned to build a complex in AJ, we applied for a federal grant. A committee was formed to secure builders, tradesman and volunteers to help construct the building.
- In June, a community barn-raising day saw this building framed and brought the dream to reality. Received first quarterly funds $1,250 from City of Apache Junction to purchase food.
2011 – We served 22,814 clients and had a record $190,223 in donations.
2017 – We served 39,042 clients utilizing 976,000 pounds of food.
- The Gerald Hundt Endowment Fund established with generous un-solicited $50,000 donation.
- Postal Worker’s Food Drive collected > 18,200 pounds of food.
- 5th Annual Golf Tournament with net income greater than $60,000.
2018 – Served 38,249 clients utilizing over a million pounds of food.
- Gained oversight of CSFP (Commodity Senior Food Program) in addition to TEFAP.
- DES mandated transition from PantryTrak software to Link2Feed software.
- Complete renovation in warehouse; shelving, paint, signage, updated security.
- Unsolicited $50,000 Education Endowment with annual starting funds for three consecutive years. G. Hundt Endowment matching fund drive raised greater than $50,000.
- 6th Annual Golf Tournament with net income greater than $58,000.
2019 – Pinal County approved client service and administration renovation project. New coded doors and security system installed. IT upgrade to new Wireless router, laptops for the staff.
2020 – Food bank name change from Apache Junction Food Bank to Superstition Community Food Bank.
- IT upgrades client service stations completed.
- The purchase of a new food bank and new truck wrap installed.
- Pandemic caused change to no-contact food distribution.
- Awarded $100,000 grant from Maricopa County to begin cold storage expansion.
- Current Staff: Executive Director, Operation Manager, Executive Assistant, Part-time Bookkeeper, Part-time Marketing Coordinator, and two Part-time Drivers.