Emergency Food Box Program
Anyone in need of food assistance can present a photo ID and register with Matthew’s Crossing to receive (1) Emergency Food Box each month. Emergency Food Boxes are comprised of nutritionally balanced non-perishable foods, designed to feed a family of (4) for up to three days. When available perishable items will be included and may include: bread, milk, meat, fresh produce, and bakery items. Items in the Emergency Food Boxes may include: pasta, rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, soup, cereal, dry milk, and canned meats.
*Emergency Food Boxes are available:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:00 am to 11:00 am
Wednesday 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Holiday Food Box Program
Clients who are existing clients of Matthew’s Crossing, qualify for a free Holiday Food Box at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Holiday Food Boxes include turkey or ham and all of the holiday trimmings to feed a family of 4-6 people. Holiday Food Boxes are given out on a first come first serve basis, and are limited to availability.
If you are interested in hosting a food drive for this program, or being a sponsor – please contact info@matthewscrossing.org for more information.
2022 CLOSED Holiday Hours:
January 3 – Monday – New Year’s Day
May 30 – Monday – Memorial Day
July 4 – Monday – 4th of July
September 5 – Monday – Labor Day
November 24 and 25 -Thursday and Friday – Thanksgiving
December 26 – Monday – Christmas Observance
Meals To Grow is a weekly backpack meal program designed to help give children in need.
We do this two ways.
- Weekend Backpack Food Bags. Each bag has enough food for 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and a variety of snacks. Matthew’s Crossing volunteers pack and deliver these meals to area schools each Wednesday and they are then distributed to students on Friday. Currently, Meals To Grow volunteers pack over 1000 backpack meals each week and delivers to 20+ area schools K-12.
- Weekday Food Closets. The food closets are located at local high schools and colleges. At the beginning of each week our volunteers deliver food and stock the shelves of high schools and colleges in the East Valley. This allows students to receive food assistance during the week.
If you are a school that could benefit from this program, please also contact our program manager, Jennifer at: jenniferf @ matthewscrossing.org.
At this time, we are only able to accommodate schools in Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler.
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps. Participants receive a debit card with a specific monthly amount that can be used to buy food in most grocery stores.
You can learn more about SNAP here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
To access the online application here: www.healthearizona.org
Need help with more than food?
2-1-1 Arizona is Arizona’s key source of integrated information that brings people and services together to meet vital needs. Please visit 2-1-1 Arizona to find the help you need throughout Arizona. You can also access this service by dialing 211 from your phone.
Additional Resources:
Official Benefits Website of the U.S. Government: This link provides information about more than 1,000 benefit and assistance programs for every state.
AARP Benefit QuickLINK
Adult Protective Serves (DES)
877-767-2385
Association of Arizona Food Banks
602-528-3434
Child Protective Services (DES)
888-767-2445
Disabilities Resource – Online Tutoring
Elderly & Disabled (Area Agency on Aging)
888-264-2258
Find Help Phoenix
Hunger Hotline
1-866-348-6479
Gratis Hambre Hotline 1-866-8-hambre
Maricopa County Help Line
2-1-1 Arizona
2-1-1 or 1-877-211-8661
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Food Stamps (DES)
800-352-8401
Poison Control Center (Banner Poison Control Center)
800-222-1222
WIC (ADHS)
(Women Infants Children)
800-252-5942
Disabilities Resource – Online Tutoring