A New Leaf is facing an unprecedented demand from the community for food and is in extreme need of shelf stable foods. We’ve seen an irregular increase of families in need this historically hot summer. Last year, A New Leaf provided 222,367 meals to those in need – this year we are on pace to far outmatch that amount. However, the ability to continue delivering the level of assistance families desperately need across the Valley depends on the community’s help.
The huge deficits of shelf stable food are valley wide from our shelters in Apache Junction to the newly opened shelter for families in Surprise. The same is for A New Leaf’s domestic violence shelters that help people escape abuse.
A New Leaf’s donation center typically has 300 boxes of ramen at any given time, now, only eight individual packets are left on the shelf. The hundreds of canned vegetables are now just a few that will be given to select families and the same is for oatmeal and other foods. The unprecedented shortage of shelf stable foods has put families in a precarious situation who may go back to not knowing when the next time they eat will be.
This urgent need is caused by an increase in more people and families seeking shelter, needing to be off the street to escape the significant levels of heat. Many shelters have been serving at capacity and an overflow of families and adults have been placed into hotels. This caused a spike in the need for food that can be easily made for families who may have access to only a single microwave for food preparation.
The summer months have always had less donations than other months in year due to the mass of people leaving the state to escape the heat, but this year the need in the community is far outstripping the supply. At any given time, A New Leaf is serving hundreds of individuals who have nowhere else to turn.
Every contribution, big or small, can go a long way in providing urgently needed food to families facing homelessness. Donations of food, water, and more can be accepted at A New Leaf’s Donation Centers in Mesa or Surprise. Please note we can only accept brand new and unopened items for families. Those that are unable to make a physical donation are welcome to make a financial donation to help those in need.
East Valley Donation Center
- A New Leaf Donation Center 2245 W. Ella Street, Building A, Mesa, AZ 85201
- (480) 464-4648
- Monday-Thursday: 9am-4pm and Friday: 9am-3pm.
West Valley Donation Center
- Riverboat Acres/Bingo at 18300 W. Bell Road, Surprise, AZ 85374
- (623) 546-0077
- Times are Monday-Thursday: 9am-4pm and Friday: 9am-3pm.
https://www.turnanewleaf.org/get-involved/donate-items/
Additional Information
- 7,419 experienced homelessness in Maricopa County last year
- In 2022 A New Leaf provided 77,750 nights of shelter for those in need last year
- 2,344 people were given a safe place to call home last year from A New Leaf’s La Mesita family shelter to helping people escape domestic violence
- 222,367 meals were provided to people across A New Leaf’s service area
- 2,344 people recovered from homelessness in A New Leaf’s care last year
About a New Leaf
A New Leaf is committed to “Helping Families, Changing Lives” by providing life-changing services to those facing domestic violence, homelessness, and other heartbreaking challenges. With 40+ programs at locations across the Valley, A New Leaf works to address some of the most pressing challenges in our local community.
With over 50 years of service in the Valley, A New Leaf anticipates improving more than 30,000 lives this year through comprehensive programming