APS serves more than 1.3 million homes and businesses in 11 of Arizona’s 15 counties, and is a leader in delivering affordable, clean and reliable energy in the Southwest. The company is committed to serving customers with 100% clean power by 2050. As owner and operator of Palo Verde Generating Station, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free electricity, and with one of the country’s most substantial renewable energy portfolios, APS’s current energy mix is 50% clean. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
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Arizona's Four Regional Food Banks get Big Holiday Boost as Demand Soars
APS support will provide millions of meals for families in need
PHOENIX – Arizona’s four regional food banks are partnering with Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) to restock the shelves this holiday season. The support from APS will provide more than six million meals to those experiencing food insecurity in our state and APS employees are joining the effort, donating hundreds of volunteer hours to help families in the communities where they work and live. In Arizona nearly 800,000 people are facing hunger, including one in six children.
St. Mary's Food Bank, United Food Bank, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and Yuma Community Food Bank report rising demand for their services, including nutritious meals. With inflation, higher gas prices and supply chain issues, many nonprofit organizations are struggling to keep up with the demand for food.
“St. Mary’s is seeing more families turn to the food bank for help than at any time in its 55-year history. This is putting a huge strain on our resources to meet the need,” St. Mary’s Food Bank President and CEO Tom Kertis said. “This incredible donation by APS will provide millions of meals for thousands of families hit hard by inflation, many of them turning to food banks for the first time.”
“Our Arizona neighbors are being challenged like never before just to cover the basics of food and shelter. We’ve seen a sharp rise in demand throughout our service area in the East Valley and rural eastern Arizona, and unfortunately, we don’t see that need abating anytime soon,” says Mike Suriano, United Food Bank Interim President and CEO. “APS’s gift will have incredible impact across the state and help us provide uninterrupted access to nutritious food to every corner of our service area.”
“This means so much to the people of southern Arizona,” said Malea Chavez, CEO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. “We’ve seen demand for food rise with inflation setting in, and we know working families and seniors feel the effects. A donation like this from APS helps us continue to serve people in five counties with emergency food.”
"Across the Yuma and La Paz communities, the demand for food is high. We’ve served more than 240,000 people this year — nearly one in five of whom are children — and we’re expecting thousands more will need help during the holidays. It takes a lot to feed so many people — but with your help, we can do it," said Yuma Community Food Bank President and CEO Shara Whitehead.
These food banks distribute food and resources to thousands of other food agencies and pantries throughout the state. The food banks’ partnership with APS will supply millions of meals to people in need.
- St. Mary’s Food Bank – 3,500,000 meals
- United Food Bank – 1,250,000 meals
- Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona – 400,000 meals
- Yuma Community Food Bank – 1,650,000 meals
“At APS, we care deeply about all our customers, and we have a long history of giving back to the communities we serve all over Arizona,” said APS President Ted Geisler. “By partnering with these food banks and supporting their important mission and tireless work, we know our most vulnerable populations are getting the help they need.”
APS employees are assisting the effort by donating their time. Hundreds of employee volunteers will box meals and distribute them to Arizona families during the holiday season.
Today’s announcement comes on the eve of GivingTuesday, a day set aside to encourage people around the globe to do good, inspiring millions to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
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