Every day, families across our community rely on TCAA's Food Pantry to put meals on the table, and that need continues to grow. During the 2025-2026 fiscal year, demand increased by an astonishing 40% compared to the previous year, and we expect even more individuals, children, and seniors will need our support in the months ahead.

Despite this growing need, there is so much to celebrate. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, we distributed a record-breaking 68,000 pounds of food last year. Every bag of groceries represented dignity, hope, and the reassurance that no one has to face hunger alone.

As food insecurity continues to impact our neighbors, we remain committed to being there for every family who needs us. 

Looking for an important way to make a difference without committing to a set weekly schedule? Our Neighbors Helping Neighbors program makes volunteering simple and flexible. Volunteers are matched one-on-one with an older adult and provide support on their own time through friendly visits, grocery shopping, rides, technology help, or simply checking in.

During the summer, these small acts can make an even bigger difference. For many older adults, getting to the grocery store in extreme heat can be difficult or even dangerous, making a grocery pickup or ride especially meaningful.

That flexibility is what drew volunteer Sydney Schaefer to the program. Wanting a way to give back, alongside her 8-year-old daughter, Sydney was matched with Teresita. Since then, they have built a lasting friendship through regular visits and support.

If you've been looking for a volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule while helping older adults stay connected, safe, and well-fed this summer, Neighbors Helping Neighbors could be the perfect fit.

This summer, Bar-S Foods Company helped bring more than just food to the table by donating several cases of meat to Tempe Community Action Agency.

As families faced rising grocery costs and children spent more time at home during school break, the donation became an important ingredient in nourishing the community. Volunteers combined the meat with other food donations to create wholesome meal boxes and distributed it through local food programs, ensuring neighbors had access to nutritious protein when they needed it most.

For parents, it meant one less worry. For children, it meant full plates and shared family dinners. Through this generous partnership, Bar-S Foods Company and TCAA turned simple ingredients into comfort, connection, and hope for families across Tempe.