Nourishing Notes from the CEO

The Season of Hope and Strength in Community

As I reflect on my first three months serving as the CEO President of Yuma Community Food Bank, I am filled with deep gratitude. While this role is new, my connection to this organization is not. Having previously served as a board member, I have long admired the dedication, compassion, and resilience that define the Food Bank—and stepping into this position has only strengthened that respect.

These past few months have been a powerful reminder of just how vital community support is, especially during times of uncertainty. Throughout the government shutdown and the busy holiday season, our neighbors continued to show up for one another. Because of you—our donors, volunteers, food drive hosts, partners, and advocates—we were able to remain a steady source of support when families needed it most. This Thanksgiving, we were able to distribute more than 3,500 turkeys helping ensure thousands of households could gather around a meal filled with dignity, warmth, and hope. Our recent fundraiser mixer, generously supported by Chef Alex Trufillo, was another bright example of what's possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose. The generosity, energy and commitment in the room reaffirmed that we are not facing food insecurity alone—we are facing it together.  

This season is often called the Season of Hope, and I can say with confidence that hope is alive and well here. It lives in every volunteer hour, every donated dollar, every shared meal, and every partnership that believes no one should go hungry. As we look ahead, I am inspired by what we can accomplish as a united community. The challenges of food insecurity are real, but so is our collective ability to meet them—with compassion, innovation, and resolve.  Thank you for standing with us, for believing in this mission, and for being part of the solution.  

I would like to close by congratulating outgoing CEO President Shara Whitehead on her well-deserved retirement and a quick reminder that, as a designated Qualified Charitable Organization, contributions made through April 15 may still be eligible to offset your tax liability. The credit is up to $495 for single filers and $987 for filing jointly.

With gratitude, 

Andy Robinson; CEO President

Make your tax dollars matter!

You may qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your Arizona state return for up to $470 if you file as a single person, or up to $938 if you file jointly.

Learn more about the Qualifying Charitable Organization tax credit donation here and, remember, please consult your tax professional for more detailed information.

Did You Know...

The Yuma Community Food Bank is the largest hunger relief effort serving Southwestern Arizona? Between January 1-December 31, 2025, the Food Bank had over 141,000 visits distributing approximately 10 MILLION pounds of food. That's equivalent to over 8 MILLION meals provided!

"Sow It Forward"

Warehouse Mixer

We are incredibly grateful to our donors, sponsors, and volunteers who helped turn the "Sow it Forward" Warehouse Mixer into a great evening with meaningful impact. We are grateful to be a part of such a supportive community!

 YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST!

Save the date for next year's

ANNUAL GALA!

December 05, 2026

D-backs Give Back in a Big Way

Thank you is not enough to express our gratitude to the D-backs Give Back Foundation for their incredible investment in the Yuma Community Food Bank! Because of their support, we are better able to rescue and deliver thousands of pounds of nutritious food to the communities that we serve. This investment is more than funding; it is hope on wheels!

Calling All Volunteers!

The Yuma Community Food Bank feeds over 20,000 individuals each month! We rely on the amazing support of our community to enable us to distribute 55,000 meals daily, five days a week, between 7am-12:30pm.

Interested in volunteering for the largest hunger relief organization in Southwestern Arizona?

Apply Today!