"Created by God and redeemed by Christ, every person possesses a fundamental dignity that comes from God, not from any human attribute or accomplishment. Because each person’s life is a sacred gift from God, all people have a right to life that must be defended and protected from its beginning to its end. The dignity of every person must always be respected because each person is a precious child of God. In light of our commitment to the right to life of every person, we believe all people also have basic rights to material and spiritual support, including the right to food, which are required to sustain life and to live a truly human existence."
Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers, and Farmworkers, 2003
About St. Anne Friends of the Needy
St. Anne Friends of the Needy began in the 1980s as a small, parish-led effort to support local families in crisis. What started with simple acts of generosity has grown into one of the most active food ministries in the East Valley.
Today, we operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit food bank, supported by a small staff and a dedicated team of volunteers. We distribute emergency food boxes 4 days a week, filled with rescued food from local grocery stores and generous donations from parishioners and the community. Each box may include fresh produce, meat, dairy, canned goods, bread, and other staples, based on availability.
In addition to food, we provide diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food for families with young children. Each household may receive one food box every seven days.
Located at 14 N. Cottonwood Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85234, we serve all who come to us, regardless of faith, background, or circumstance. Our mission is to feed the hungry, uphold the dignity of every person, and be a source of hope in our community.
