Take on SVdP's Summer Food Pantry Challenge to feed those in need
St. Vincent de Paul invites the community to join its Summer Pantry Challenge running from July 1- 31, as part of the 100 Days of Summer campaign, aiming to support the preparation of 7,000 hot meals daily in their central kitchen south of downtown Phoenix.
The challenge invites participants to organize a non-perishable food drive, creating a construction with canned goods or some other inventive display with the collected items, sharing their creation on social media, and nominating 2-3 more people or groups to take on the challenge. Sharing and nominating via social media is encouraged with the use of the hashtag #SVdPPantryChallenge.
For those less inclined to participate in the challenge, SVdP also has a matching gift opportunity to support its food mission thanks to The Locasto Family Foundation which will generously match all gifts to the 100 Days of Summer campaign throughout the month of July up to $25,000.
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The Summer Pantry Challenge and the matching gift opportunity come just as SVdP’s 100 Days of Summer campaign turns its focus to addressing summer food insecurity during the month of July. The campaign focuses each summer month on a high-need item during Arizona’s toughest season.
The food collected from the Summer Pantry Challenge and purchased with the matching gift funds will go towards:
- Feeding eight community shelter projects this month
- Feeding two of SVdP’s current shelters and the two additional SVdP shelters opening at the end of August.
- Food boxes to support families in need this summer.
The expansion of shelters and meal services is in response to the Valley homelessness crisis. As more community shelters open and SVdP’s newest shelters are completed, SVdP plans to further increase its daily meal production and food assistance, already supporting over 30 community service agencies with daily meals.
"St. Vincent de Paul is committed to providing hot meals on a large scale," said Adam Young, SVdP's Director of Food Services. "However, we can’t achieve this alone. We urge our community to join our Summer Pantry Challenge or simply make a gift to help SVdP feed neighbors in need and raise awareness about the critical importance of food security. This is each person’s chance to make a difference and have some summer fun all at the same time.”
During the summer, SVdP sees a surge in food demand as families struggle to feed children out of school and manage higher utility bills. Meanwhile, donations drop as people leave on vacation or relocate, making food an urgent necessity for the nonprofit.
“Every summer, the need for food support is critical for our neighbors experiencing homelessness and families struggling to put food on the table,” said Young. “Don’t wait for the holidays. Now is the time to help.”
How to get involved this July:
- Join SVdP's Summer Pantry Challenge
- Get your monetary gift matched when you donate online at: stvincentdepaul.net/give/campaigns/100-days-summer
- Volunteer in the kitchen, central food bank and dining rooms.
