Food Bank to Hold Holiday Harvest Drive
The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona will hold its food and fund drive at Bashas' on River Road as demand for assistance rises.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is hosting a Holiday Harvest Food and Fund Drive on November 12, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bashas' at 2000 W. River Road. The drive aims to collect 8,000 pounds of food and $40,000 in donations.
Why it matters
The food bank has seen an approximately 18% increase in people seeking assistance compared with the same period last year, which it attributes to rising food and gas prices and reduced SNAP benefits. Changes to SNAP eligibility and work requirements are affecting access to food assistance across Arizona.
The food bank has seen an 18% year-over-year rise in people seeking assistance, and child SNAP enrollment fell 45% in Pima County and across Arizona from July 2025 to September 2026. Monetary donations are currently lower than at this point last year.
The players
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
A Tucson-based nonprofit that distributes food to residents across Southern Arizona through partner agencies and direct programs.
Lotus Radio
A Tucson radio station that is supporting the food drive as a matching-donation sponsor.
Tucson Electric Power
The primary electric utility serving the Tucson area, which is supporting the food drive as a matching-donation sponsor.
The details
Volunteers and employees from other departments will staff the Bashas' location to manage traffic and distribution, and the food bank expects to serve about 1,000 people on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Lotus Radio and Tucson Electric Power will match up to $20,000 in donations, and two staff members are available to help residents with SNAP applications.
Timeline
November 12, 2026: Holiday Harvest Food and Fund Drive runs 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday before Thanksgiving: Food bank expects about 1,000 people, its busiest distribution day.
2025: Federal legislation expanded SNAP work requirements and eliminated certain exemptions.
Big Picture
The surge in demand follows the 2025 federal expansion of SNAP work requirements and the elimination of exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and young adults aging out of foster care. Reliance on community food banks is expected to keep growing as those changes take hold.
Residents who want to help can donate food or money at the Bashas' location on November 12, with up to $20,000 in donations matched by sponsors. Those who need help can contact the food bank's two staff members for guidance on SNAP applications and benefit questions.
The takeaway
Community giving is taking on a larger role as federal changes narrow access to SNAP, so even small donations of food or money can help fill gaps for families in Southern Arizona. Matching-donation drives like this one can multiply the impact of each contribution.
What happens next
The Holiday Harvest Food and Fund Drive takes place on November 12, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bashas' on River Road.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how charitable giving responds to local needs.
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