Heat Relief
St. Mary’s Food Bank is Helping Our Neighbors Stay Safe This Summer
Arizona’s scorching summers can be brutal to our vulnerable neighbors. We’ve seen prices go up in housing, fuel, and food. People in Arizona now have an additional and unique challenge — soaring electric bills — as we see so many 100+ degree days. St. Mary’s Food Bank is working to ensure everyone in our community stays safe and hydrated. Help us in our ongoing efforts to bring much-needed relief and supplies to those who are struggling to beat the blistering heat.
Who We Help
- Families on stretched budgets
- Seniors
- Schoolchildren
- The unhoused population
- Hundreds of Nonprofit Agency Partners
Your donations stay local!
We chatted with our neighbors in line coming for food. One young mom shared,
How We Help
- We provide nutritious food to families struggling with high electric bills so they don’t have to choose between expensive groceries or air conditioning.
- We purchase and supply nonprofit agencies across the state with water, shading structures, misting fans, ice packs, ice chests and more.
- We provide neighbors facing homelessness with water, Gatorade, and other essentials to stay hydrated.
How You Can Help
- Host a water drive in your neighborhood, church, or office.
- Make a donation and let us do the heavy lifting! Just $25 can help us provide more than 100 bottles of water!
Did You Know?
In June, July, and August of 2023, St. Mary’s Food Bank distributed the equivalent of close to 500,000 water bottles.
Tips to Stay Cool
Wear a hat or bring your own shade to avoid direct sunlight
Use a cooling towel
Drink plenty of water
Limit soda and sugar-sweetened drinks
Wear loose, lightweight clothing
Apply sunscreen before you head outside. Make sure to reapply every 2 hours.
Limit outdoor activities to early morning and evening hours when it is cooler