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40+ Years of Caring for our Community

History of the Superstition Community Food Bank

From the 1980s Through Today…Tomorrow…and Beyond

We dream of a day when our community doesn’t need our services, but until that day comes, we will continue our work, doing what we can to help those in our community who are hungry and food insecure.
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How We Got Here

Our History

1982
Apache Junction Reach Out organized when DES recognized the need for a food bank.
1983

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 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, tradesmen, 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 unsolicited $50,000 donation.
  • Postal Worker’s Food Drive collected more than 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.
2022

With the decrease and better handling of the pandemic, the Food Bank has become a staple at community events once again.

  • In October, the Annual Apache Junction Chili Cook Off was brought back after being absent for many years!
  • Began recycling program with local pig farmer to help reduce Food Bank consumable waste.

2023

It was a fun and exciting year of celebrating our 40th Anniversary of working with the community to end hunger!

  • Celebrated 40-year Anniversary with a fun-filled night at Barleens Dinner Theater.
  • Introduced a brand-new 4th of July Holiday Meal Box.
  • Started a Cook Book Library with the help of our friends at the Apache Junction Library.
  • Introduce Baby Pantry for families with infants.
  • Purchased Used Cargo Van for 40th Celebration!

Superstition Community Food Bank In The News