Feeding our neighbors together; Parishes partner with St. Vincent de Paul to help those in need

The St. Vincent de Paul Society in Arizona is launching a new phase of a food partnership program at local parishes to increase the number of hungry families receiving assistance. Cande de Leon, the chief mission engagement officer for the organization, is leading this effort to expand the reach of food pantries.

The program builds on a partnership with Albertsons-Safeway that began last March to increase stock at local pantries. The St. Vincent de Paul Society serves the poor in Arizona by distributing 4.7 million pounds of food through its central food bank and providing 2.5 million meals annually at charity dining rooms. The organization also provides more than $8 million in rent and utility assistance.

In addition to central services, designated groups at local parishes, known as conferences, operate food pantries that provide food boxes to thousands of people. Volunteers, called Vincentians, also conduct home visits to assist those in need.