The United Food Bank is sending out an urgent plea to the community for food donations after a recent loss of over 21,000 pounds of food due to a main freezer malfunction.
The food that was lost in the broken freezer could have served residents in need for about three weeks, according to an announcement.
According to the Food Bank, the freezer repair is estimated to cost over $10,000, which would equal enough funds to give out over 40,000 meals to those in need.
The Food Bank is asking for donations of frozen fruits, vegetables and meats, which it says is an essential part of its food distribution to the people it serves each month throughout five counties.
Donations can be dropped off at any of the two United Food Bank: 245 South Nina Drive and 358 East Javelina Avenue. For more information or to make a monetary donation visit unitedfoodbank.org
The United Food Bank collects, stores and distributes food and related commodities through its network of over 200 social service agencies in Eastern Maricopa, Gila, Pinal, Southern Apache and Navajo counties. The organization distributed 27.7 million pounds of food in 2016 to those in need, according to the announcement.