F.E.A.S.T.
E.
Education
Free books in English and Spanish across multiple locations in Rio Rico and at our Food Pantry location.
A.
Aid
We work with many organizations and volunteers to help provide for our community.
S.
Service
We’ve set our sights on building more playgrounds in Rio Rico.
T.
Transportation
Use the free shuttle that runs up and down Frontage Road daily.
Free Produce Every Monday from 4-6 pm
Come to the Family Dollar parking lot in Rio Rico, bring a bag, and take home fresh produce. It’s that easy!
For the most up-to-date information, including changes to the distribution schedule, please join these two Facebook groups.
Take Our Survey!
If you have received food from us, we would appreciate it if you could take a moment to fill out our survey, which will help us continue to secure grant funding.
Donate Today, Feed A Family Tomorrow
In 2024, the percentage of the Santa Cruz County, AZ population who are low-income and who do not live close to a grocery store was 18.3%. In Rio Rico, specifically, many residents can be seen walking for miles to get to the only grocery store in the region.
20.2% of the population lives below the poverty line, nearly twice that of the national average of 12.4%. The nearest food banks are 15 miles to the south, in Nogales, or 30 miles to the north, in Green Valley. This lack of access to food banks, combined with the geographic limitation on access to groceries and the high poverty rate, puts these residents squarely in a food desert.
Our primary programming to combat these issues is twofold.
1) We provide free food via a pop-up distribution method. This means we go to a neighborhood in need to make getting free food easy. Over time, we will offer multiple pop-up sites across Santa Cruz County. With consistent, nearby access to healthy, free food, residents can put some or all of their grocery budget towards other needs.
2) We provide a free shuttle that runs a strategic route. This shuttle removes the barrier of distance from residents in need by taking them to our food pantries, to the dollar store, the local library, and to the only grocery store in Rio Rico. This free transportation allows residents to put some or all of their gas/vehicle budget towards other needs.
FEAST directly impacts the local poverty rate by increasing access to both food and transportation, resulting in decreased expenses over time.
You are fundamental to our existence and mission. Your donation today goes beyond the financial transaction; it makes you a partner in our success:
- Credibility: High donor participation signals trust and commitment, which helps FEAST attract grants and other funding.
- Advocacy and Awareness: By donating, you have become a passionate ambassador, using your network to raise awareness and encourage others to give.
- Volunteering Time and Expertise: You may deepen your involvement by volunteering your time, skills, and professional expertise.
You are an investor in positive social change.
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JB DeWitt, founder of FEAST, is a former consultant to nonprofits, boards, and businesses. His time managing and fundraising for food banks has given him insight into how to address the food scarcity concerns in Santa Cruz County.