At United Way of Yavapai County, one of our primary goals is to end food insecurity in our community. Our commitment to this cause is exemplified through our support for organizations like Manzanita Outreach, which has made remarkable strides in enhancing food distribution and nutrition education.
Ben Burke, the Executive Director of Manzanita Outreach, recently highlighted the incredible growth his organization has experienced over the past year. “From January 2023 to December 2023, we have gone from about 3,000 distributions per month to over 5,000 distributions per month,” Burke shared. This significant increase in food distribution has positively impacted the lives of countless families in Yavapai County.
The focus of Manzanita Outreach extends beyond mere food distribution. The organization has doubled down on ensuring that the food provided is plentiful and nutritious. By partnering with local farms, they can offer fresh, locally sourced produce, emphasizing the mantra “local food for local people.”
United Way’s support has been pivotal in this journey. With our help, Manzanita Outreach has expanded its food distribution programs and launched initiatives to provide healthy recipes and nutritional education. These programs empower community members with the knowledge and resources needed to make healthier food choices, enhancing their overall well-being.
We at United Way are thrilled to see Manzanita Outreach’s accomplishments. Their dedication and hard work make a tangible difference in the community, and we are proud to support their mission.
Burke expressed his gratitude, stating, “Because of the support of United Way, we’ve been able to invest in these programs, which include not just providing food, but healthy recipes and nutritional education.” This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering a healthier, more food-secure community.
We are immensely proud to support organizations like Manzanita Outreach in their mission to combat food insecurity. Together, we are making significant strides towards a future where no one in Yavapai County has to worry about where their next meal will come from. Thank you to the community for your continued support and to Manzanita Outreach for their unwavering dedication to this vital cause.
