In the epic battle of Turkey versus Ham at the Stuff the Bus Food Drive, the real winner will be the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC) and the individuals who rely on the vital services it provides.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Team Turkey) and the Flagstaff City Council (Team Ham) are engaging in a friendly competition at the Safeway store on Highway 89 to collect food donations for the FFFC. A Mountain Line bus will be parked at Safeway on November 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day, and shoppers are encouraged to “Stuff the Bus” with the items needed for holiday meals. While the competition will gauge which group can collect the most turkeys or hams, all food and financial donations are gladly accepted. In addition, Yavapai Broadcasting will be doing live remotes from the event each day. St. Mary’s Food Bank will also be on hand to lend their support.
“In Coconino County, one in four children lives in poverty, and in rural Coconino County, over 45 percent of kids live below the poverty line. Coconino County is committed to working with its citizens to create opportunities for all—and in the meantime, we’re committed to personally reaching out a hand to our neighbors,” said Art Babbott, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. “We’re eager to help make sure that all families in our region have the chance for a festive holiday meal. I want to thank the Board of Supervisors and Flagstaff City Council for their support of the Flagstaff Family Food Center and the important work they do in our communities.”
“On behalf of the Flagstaff City Council, we are pleased to partner with the Flagstaff Family Food Center for the Stuff the Bus event to collect vital food items for Flagstaff families in need,” said Flagstaff City Councilman Jeff Oravits. “Everyone deserves a holiday meal, and as we enter the season of giving, we invite our Flagstaff neighbors to join us in making those meals possible.”
The donations gathered at the Stuff the Bus event will primarily benefit two of the FFFC’s programs:
- Food Box Program: Many in Flagstaff have a tough time making ends meet. The Food Box Program is so important in helping families stretch their monthly food budgets. Flagstaff residents with proof of residency and photo identification can receive food boxes once per month at the kitchen location (1903 N. 2nd) as supplies allow.
- Free Hot Meal: Food Center volunteers and the cook begin the day around 10 a.m., chopping, stirring, and cooking a variety of healthy foods to be served to anyone who needs a hot meal. Hot meals are available at the kitchen location (1903 N. 2nd) and are delivered to Flagstaff Shelter Services for the men and women spending the night. The cooks and volunteers will use the turkeys and hams to create festive meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas, in addition to delivering these meals to the shelter.
“The Flagstaff Family Food Center is who our neighbors in need turn to for a healthy, hot meal every evening – 7 days a week – and where they pick up a food box in order to stretch their monthly food budget,” said Steve Saville, FFFC Executive Director. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have the help of these wonderful partners in making sure that every Flagstaff family enjoys a delicious, nutritious holiday meal.”
The FFFC has seven food programs and its mission is “Serving hope to Flagstaff families by providing hunger relief and children’s literacy programs.” Visit www.hotfood.org for more information.
NAIPTA is the transit agency in northern Arizona operating the Mountain Line, Mountain Lift and Mountain Link systems in Flagstaff. NAIPTA also coordinates services with Campus Shuttle Service at Northern Arizona University. Visit www.mountainline.az.gov for more information.