To serve those in need…
with compassion and respect while providing the resources for wholesome nutritious food.
Valley View Community Food Bank Facing Unprecedented Demand for Help
Valley View Community Food Bank (VVCFB), headquartered at 10733 West Peoria Avenue in Sun City, is mobilizing to answer as many requests for help as possible. Jesse Ramirez, founder and president of the non-profit organization, says that in one day he received more than 160 calls on his emergency phone from people desperate for assistance. The food bank is seeing hundreds of clients per day, many of them who have never asked for help before. Food counselors and other agencies are also turning to VVCFB for help.
With the elimination of many feeding programs, many people are scrambling to provide basic survival necessities for children, grandchildren, and themselves.
Jesse Ramirez states, “We are in need of more donations, especially food, personal hygiene items, and cleaning and sanitation supplies.”
He explains that the cost of staple food items such as rice and beans have doubled and tripled. So monetary donations to facilitate the purchase of needed resources are extremely helpful. Particularly sought after are such essentials as items to make soup, canned tomatoes, and fresh produce. Grocers are not supplying produce because of the increased volume of buying being experienced now in retail establishments.
He adds, “In my decades in food banking, I have never seen anything more disturbing. People are crying and are so afraid of the future. We have to find ways to help each other. We are all in this together, and together is the only way to address this historic crisis.”
To donate, you can go to www.feedingaz.org. To volunteer to help pack boxes or deliver food in the Sun Cities, call Martha Ovalle, Volunteer Coordinator, at 602-486-4285. For more information, contact Jesse Ramirez at [email protected].
- VVCFB NEWS
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14 hours ago by Valley View Community Food Bank
2026 Heat Relief Network Launches May 1 to Protect Residents During Extreme Heat PHOENIX (April 30, 2026)—Heat relief sites across the Valley will begin opening tomorrow, May 1, as the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) officially launch the 2026 Heat Relief Network (HRN). The HRN will provide free, cooled spaces and other resources to the public through September 30, offering critical support throughout the hottest months of the year. Established in 2005, this regional effort brings together government, nonprofit, faith-based organizations, and businesses to protect people most at risk from extreme heat and reduce heat-related deaths. “Heat affects every corner of our community, and preventing heat-related deaths takes effort from all of us,” said Kelli Donley Williams, MCDPH deputy director. “When people know where to find help and feel supported, it makes a real difference. That’s why it’s so important that residents know their risk, know where to go for relief, and look out for one another.” How to Access Heat Relief
Starting May 1, residents can use the interactive Heat Relief Map at hrn.azmag.gov to find nearby cooling options across Maricopa County. The map includes more than 200 locations, including indoor cooling centers, respite sites where people can rest for extended periods, hydration stations, and donation drop-off locations. Users can search based on their needs and view details such as hours of operation, services offered, and key site features, including pet-friendly locations, making it easier to plan ahead and stay safe during extreme heat. “Extreme heat is one of the most serious, predictable challenges our region faces each year, and providing relief requires a strong collaborative response,” said MAG Executive Director Audra Koester Thomas. “The Heat Relief Network exemplifies the power of regionalism by bringing together partners across Maricopa County to ensure residents know where to go, how to stay safe, and that help is within reach during hot summer days.” For those needing assistance by phone, 211 Arizona live operators will take calls, in English and Spanish, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to help residents find nearby cooling centers, utility assistance programs, or other resources. Transportation assistance to and from heat relief sites will also be available based upon eligibility. How to Join the Heat Relief Network
Organizations like community agencies, businesses, and faith-based organizations can join the HRN as a cooling center, hydration station, respite center, or donation drop-off site by completing the HRN Standards & Expectations Form. Once approved, registered sites are added to the HRN map, which updates throughout the season. Non-profits and community organizations are also needed to help support outreach efforts such as distributing water, providing heat safety education, and connecting individuals to nearby heat relief services. Organizations can learn more about this opportunity on the HRN heat relief outreach application. Help Your Community: Volunteer or Donate
Individuals can support the HRN by volunteering at heat relief sites throughout the county. Weekday, evening, and weekend hours are available. Opportunities may be found through local municipalities, the Maricopa County Medical Reserve Corps, as well as non-profits such as the Salvation Army, Arizona Faith Network, and St. Vincent de Paul. Heat relief supplies can also be donated to regional collection sites listed on the HRN map. Commonly needed supplies include disposable water bottles, insulated water bottles, snacks, toiletries, hats, socks, umbrellas, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm. Know Your Risk, Protect Yourself, Protect Others Heat illness can affect anyone regardless of age, health status, fitness level, or how long they’ve lived in Arizona. Taking simple precautions can help prevent serious illness:
o Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
o Replenish electrolytes: Consider snacks and drinks that help replace lost salts and minerals from sweating during increased activity or sun exposure.
o Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
o Stay cool: Use air conditioning whenever possible. Once temperatures exceed 95°F, fans alone are not enough to keep you safe.
o Check on others: Regularly check on older adults, neighbors, and people living alone, especially if they lose power or access to air conditioning.
o Know the warning signs: Seek medical care right away if you or someone else experiences symptoms of heat illness, such as muscle cramps, headache, vomiting, confusion, lack of sweating, or a rapid heart rate.
o Substance use and heat don’t mix. Using drugs and alcohol when exposed to heat increases the risk of heat-related illness and death.
o Never leave anyone in a car: Do not leave children or pets unattended in a parked vehicle even for a short time.
o Plan ahead for heat safety: Weather events and power outages can be unexpected. Know where heat relief sites are located near you and call 2-1-1 for help, if needed. Additional information about heat safety and available resources can be found at Maricopa.gov/heat. -
6 days ago by Valley View Community Food Bank
🍎 VVCFB FARMERS MARKET 🍎 4–25-2026 PLEASE SHARE!! Our Sun City & Youngtown markets will be closed tomorrow. El Mirage will be open! Valley View Community Food Bank Indoor Farmers Market
12321 NW Grand Ave.
(Next to Food City)
SATURDAY 7AM - 11AM
**WHILE SUPPLIES LAST**
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NO FOOD CITY CARTS WILL GO IN THE MARKET. PLEASE BE PATIENT AND SOMEONE WILL BRING YOU AN EMPTY CART.
IF YOU HAVE A WAGON OR CART OF YOUR OWN PLEASE BRING IT.
CARTS ARE LIMITED. Misc. Meat for Sale A $10 donation this week will provide your family with:
Watermelon, Grapes, Drinks, Candy, Parsley, Cilantro, Green Leaf, Romaine Limited Yogurt, Limited Bok Choy, Pasta, Beans and RiceYogurt, Candy, Misc. Produce, Pastry and Bread!!!
*Cash/Credit/Debit accepted in store. Items in refrigerator/freezer & shelves sold separately for additional donation. The earlier you get here, the more variety you get. Doors close when our supply runs out! *Cash/Credit/Debit accepted in store. All donations help Valley View Community Food Bank assist more families within the greater Phoenix Valley. Volunteers are always appreciated. -
1 week ago by Valley View Community Food Bank
🍎 VVCFB FARMERS MARKET 🍎 4–18-2026 Sun City Location 7am-11am or until supply runs out. PLEASE SHARE!! Valley View Community Food Bank Sun City Farmers Market
Sun City, AZ 85351 **WHILE SUPPLIES LAST**
IF YOU HAVE A WAGON OR CART OF YOUR OWN PLEASE BRING IT. A $10 donation this week will provide your family with: Bread, pastries, miscellaneous fruits and vegetables, potatoes, pears, hello fresh meal kits and ground chicken. Meats are for an additional donation when available. The earlier you arrive, the more variety you get! We close when our supply runs out! All donations help Valley View Community Food Bank assist more families within the greater Phoenix Valley. Volunteers are always appreciated. -
1 week ago by Valley View Community Food Bank
🍎 VVCFB FARMERS MARKET 🍎 4–18-2026 PLEASE SHARE!! Valley View Community Food Bank Indoor Farmers Market
12321 NW Grand Ave.
(Next to Food City)
SATURDAY 7AM - 11AM
**WHILE SUPPLIES LAST**
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT NO FOOD CITY CARTS WILL GO IN THE MARKET. PLEASE BE PATIENT AND SOMEONE WILL BRING YOU AN EMPTY CART.
IF YOU HAVE A WAGON OR CART OF YOUR OWN PLEASE BRING IT.
CARTS ARE LIMITED. Misc. Meat for Sale A $10 donation this week will provide your family with: Lettuce, Strawberries , Raspberries, Radicchio, Green Mangos, Celcius, Water elon, Yogurt, Candy, Misc. Produce, Pastry and Bread!!!
*Cash/Credit/Debit accepted in store. Items in refrigerator/freezer & shelves sold separately for additional donation. The earlier you get here, the more variety you get. Doors close when our supply runs out! *Cash/Credit/Debit accepted in store. All donations help Valley View Community Food Bank assist more families within the greater Phoenix Valley. Volunteers are always appreciated.
Support Your Food Bank
Support Your Community
Our client intake has seen an increase of almost 65% new families and individuals looking for resources and assistance. We’re working hard to provide emergency food boxes that will help feed low income families and individuals.
Our Biggest Year Ever
In 2016, we provided more than 5 million pounds of food directly to clients or partner agencies, all in the West Valley. We rely greatly on the support of the community and ask that you please consider making an online donation to help us with our mission to end hunger.
Donating Online is Easy
Arizona’s 8th Congressional Recognition
Outreach Director Lynndy Smith from the office of Congresswoman Debbie Lesko presented Jesse Ramirez, founder of the Valley View Community Food Bank, with the first ever Arizona’s 8th Congressional Recognition. Arizona’s 8th Congressional Recognition was inspired by constituents of our district like Jesse who are making a huge difference in our community. The Valley View Community Food Bank located in El Mirage helps 300,000 people per year. Thank you, Jesse, for your decades of service to the community.
Volunteer today!
Volunteering is a great way to get your team inspired and give back to your community! With large food drives coming up, we appreciate your help! So if you would like to volunteer, we can schedule groups of up to 20 volunteers.
Another way your group can help is to hold you own event, food drive, or fundraiser.
Individuals are also welcome to help in the pantry or in one of our thrift shops on a regular basis. Extra volunteers are needed for our special outreach events, such as “back to school,” Thanksgiving food boxes and Christmas toys, and clothing give-aways.
West Valley Clients Served
Easter - Individuals Served
Christmas - Individuals Received Ham and Food Box
Clients under 55
Thanksgiving - Food Boxes Distributed
Clients Over 55
Thanksgiving - individuals received turkey & trimmings
Valley View Thrift Store
How does a thrift store help the food bank? The local community donates gently used household items and merchandise to the food bank allowing us to sell them to the general public. The proceeds from the sales go directly to support Valley View Community Food Bank.
Help us feed 500 meals during holiday season. Your flu shot does more for our community. Please like and share. #rightwaypharmacy Valley View Community Food Bank Sun City, Arizona.
