Hunger remains a pressing challenge in many communities, and the city of Mesa, AZ, is no exception. With rising living costs and economic uncertainty, more families than ever are turning to food drives and distribution centers for essential support. Understanding how to engage with these efforts offers a meaningful way for individuals and groups to make a difference.
In Mesa, AZ, residents have access to donation drop-off sites, community pantries, and shelters that work tirelessly to provide meals and groceries to people facing food insecurity. This article explores how to donate, introduces key organizations, highlights the impact of their work, and offers suggestions for getting children involved—so everyone can contribute to the cause.
How to Donate Food and Meal Items
Giving begins with simply bringing non-perishable items or organizing a collection drive. In Mesa, AZ, one of the primary hubs for accepting food donations is the United Food Bank. They accept food donations and host food drive drop-offs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two locations: their Volunteer Center at 358 East Javelina Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210, and their Nina Warehouse at 245 S Nina Drive, Mesa, AZ 85210.
It is helpful to choose items that are shelf-stable, easy to store, and useful to families—think canned goods, pasta, rice, beans, and other staples. For food drives or large group collections, the United Food Bank offers guidelines and marketing tools to help organize effectively.
Donors should also check for any special drop-off instructions (such as hours, parking, and suggested items). Calling ahead or checking the organization’s website can ensure the donation is handled smoothly and counts toward immediate community needs.
Local Charities Worth Knowing
Several organizations in Mesa, AZ, focus on food distribution and assistance. One key partner is the United Food Bank, which collaborates with more than 120 pantries, mobile food trucks, and meal sites across Arizona. In 2024, they distributed over 26.9 million pounds of food and diverted over 13.4 million pounds from landfills.
Another option is the Desert Manna Food Pantry located at 590 N. 96th Street in Mesa (85207). They distribute food boxes each Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with no cost and no strings attached. They serve families in the region between Power Road and Meridian, and between McKellips Road and Southern Avenue, and, in recent years, have served about 150 to 200 families weekly.
For further options, the Resurrection Street Ministry operates a food bank in Mesa and the surrounding areas. In 2022, this organization distributed over 3 million pounds of food to seniors, veterans, families, and group home residents—marking the scale of local need.
Church-based and smaller pantries also provide important access. For example, the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry distributes on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for Mesa residents. Clients bring photo ID and proof of residence.
Understanding the Community Impact
Supporters may be surprised by how many meals are provided and how deeply these drives touch local lives in Mesa, AZ. The United Food Bank alone reports over 100,000 monthly visits from people facing food insecurity across its partner locations. On a more local scale, Desert Manna Food Pantry’s distribution of 150 to 200 boxes weekly means thousands of individuals or families are being served each year.
Resurrection Street Ministry’s figures show another dimension: more than 3 million pounds of food distributed, covering veterans, seniors, families, and group homes in the broader area. These numbers underscore the importance of ongoing support. Each donation counts—and when communities rally around these services, the ripple effect reaches far beyond a single meal. The collective impact helps lighten burdens and strengthen resilience among all.
Ways Families and Kids Can Get Involved
Engaging children in food drives teaches compassion, responsibility, and social awareness. One idea is to host a “family food collection challenge” where each family member picks a favorite non-perishable item to donate. The family might then deliver the items together to a drop-off site at the United Food Bank in Mesa, AZ.
Children can also assist in sorting, packing, or labeling donations—under adult supervision—and even help make handmade “thank you” cards for the volunteers at the pantries. This helps them see the human side of giving and feel involved.
Another fun yet meaningful activity is creating a “donation jar” to collect loose change over a period of weeks. Once the jar is filled, parents can help kids convert that change into a monetary donation to a charity like Resurrection Street Ministry or Desert Manna. This adds a lesson in budgeting and charitable giving.
Schools, scout groups, or youth clubs in Mesa, AZ, can also coordinate with local food banks to schedule monthly drop-offs or volunteer sessions. By setting a regular cadence—say, one Saturday morning every quarter—children can form service habits and observe tangible benefits from their contributions.
Tips for Making Your Contribution More Effective
When planning a food drive or drop-off in Mesa, AZ, consider checking the charity’s most-needed items list. For example, some pantries might request fresh produce or bakery items in addition to canned goods. Donation hubs like United Food Bank provide guidelines and even virtual food drive tools to streamline participation.
Timing matters: avoid dropping off items at the last minute before a distribution shift, when volunteers may be busy preparing for the event. Instead, aim for weekdays or morning hours where possible—for example, the United Food Bank accepts donations Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Also, consider organizing transportation or delivery help if the donation is large. Many distribution sites appreciate advance notice so they can prepare space, volunteers, and storage. A simple email or phone call can make the donation process smoother for all.
Lastly, families with children should plan for short visits, have snacks ready, and set clear tasks for kids (such as carrying lightweight items or labeling boxes). This ensures that the experience remains positive and engaging for young volunteers.
Food drive efforts in Mesa, AZ, represent a powerful way for individuals, families, schools, and groups to combat hunger and support community wellbeing. Whether it’s donating canned goods, organizing a family-friendly event, volunteering alongside kids, or chipping in a few dollars for meal drives, the ripple effects of every action matter.
Local charities—from large-scale networks like United Food Bank to neighborhood pantries at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church—are all open to support and rely on community engagement to sustain their services. The numbers speak volumes: tens of thousands of meals, millions of pounds of food, hundreds of weekly distributions.
By taking part in these efforts, residents of Mesa, AZ, help ensure that more families have access to nutritious meals and a sense of dignity. With a little planning and the willingness to contribute, anyone can become part of a movement that strengthens the fabric of their city.
Sources: stmarksmesa.org, rsmaz.org, desertmannafoodpantry.org, unitedfoodbank.org
Header Image Source: rsmaz.org
