YUMA, Ariz. — Yuma is kicking off a regional holiday food drive to help the Yuma Community Food Bank. This initiative runs until December 19 and includes contributions from Yuma County, San Luis, Somerton, and Welton. The Cocopah Tribe is also joining in, gathering non-perishable food items to aid those in need.
The challenge? Each organization will compete to see who can collect the most food by weight. As Jennifer Reichelt, deputy city administrator, explains, they’ll calculate totals based on the number of employees in each group. For example, the city of Yuma has 1,200 employees, so they’ll divide their total weight by that number to make it fair.
The Yuma Community Food Bank is a critical resource, helping thousands of families each month. Demand surges during the holiday season, making these donations vital. Reichelt notes a particular need for canned goods—staples that last a while without spoiling.
Last month, the city collected over 700 pounds of food during their Frozen Turkey and Ham Drive, but they aim to do even better this time. “This challenge is about uniting as a community to make a real impact,” says city public information officer Christian Magana. “When we come together, we create change.”
For those wanting to contribute, non-perishable items can be dropped off at boxes around Yuma County, including locations like Yuma City Hall. Every bit helps in bringing hope to families this season.
As a reminder, food insecurity affects millions across the U.S. In fact, a recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that over 10% of households faced food shortages in 2021, highlighting the importance of community efforts like this food drive. By getting involved, residents can play a part in addressing this critical issue.
