Food Bank
The link between hunger and poor health is undeniable. Desert Mission is combatting hunger across the income spectrum by helping to bridge nutrition gaps that negatively affect the health and well-being of community residents and HonorHealth patients alike. By providing fresh and nutritious foods both through the front door of Desert Mission Food Bank and the through back door with our community programs, we’re able to provide food access, education, and empowerment where it’s most needed.
Planning a Visit to Desert Mission Food Bank?
What to expect:
Desert Mission Food Bank guests can expect to be checked in and guided to a variety of resources that may be available to them based on their individual needs. We offer nutritious food options low in fat and sodium that help to benefit a person’s overall health and well-being.
Things to bring for your first visit:
- Photo ID
- Proof of address for anyone 18 and older
- Birth certificate or immunization records for any children 12 months or younger
The income eligibility guidelines for the Emergency Food Box Program and the CSFP Senior Program can be found here.
Looking for additional resources? This food resource guide may help.
Desert Mission Food Bank Programs
Emergency Food Assistance Program
Provides monthly food packages to individuals and families living in the Desert Mission service area.
Senior food box
Desert Mission Food Bank gives income-qualified seniors residing in a Desert Mission service area a food box each month.
Infant emergency food box program
New parents can secure food each month that meet their baby’s developmental needs from newborn to 12 months of age.
Nutrition education
Using food distributed through Desert Mission Food Bank, we teach clients how to make healthy eating a tasty and affordable reality.
Snack pack program
We work with local schools to provide weekly bags of nutritious, kid-friendly food for school-age children to ensure they have enough to eat over the weekend.
Donations and food drives
Virtual food drive
Our ongoing Virtual Food Drive is used to purchase frequently needed groceries for our food bank and nutrition programs, giving food and nutrition access to those who need it most.
Food items of greatest need
Desert Mission accepts most non-perishable food donations if the product is unopened, labeled and in its original packaging.
We encourage you to donate heart-healthy foods that are low in sodium and fat, though have the greatest need for the following:
- Pasta
- Cereal
- Canned veggies (low sodium encouraged)
- Juice (100% juice encouraged)
- Chicken and tuna in water
- Canned beans
- Dry beans
- Peanut butter
- Bottled water
Other items of greatest need:
- Paper products, such as toilet paper and paper towels
- Hygiene products
- Baby formula (orange or blue Similac for ages 12 months and younger)
Donation drop-offs
Donations can be dropped off at Desert Mission Food Bank during our hours of operation (see hours and directions).
Please pull into the loading area to the left of the food bank entrance. Ring the doorbell and our friendly staff or volunteers will assist you.
Need a food drive pick-up?
If you have a lot of items from a food drive, Desert Mission can help by picking up the donations after your food drive is complete. Please contact us to schedule a pick-up.
74,051+
People were served from Desert Mission Food Bank in 2023.
Locations and hours
Located on the campus of John C. Lincoln Medical Center
Desert Mission Food Bank
9229 N. Fourth St.
Phoenix, AZ 85020 (Directions)
Food Bank hours:
9:00 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday - Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Friday
Holiday closures
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day (observed)
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve - 12:00 PM closure
- Christmas (observed)
- New Year's Eve - 12:00 PM closure
- New Year's Day (observed)