Every summer for the past 12 years, Extended Hands Food Bank has issued an appeal to the public for help in restocking its bare shelves.

The need is more critical this year than ever before, said executive director David Iverson.

He attributes the shortage to a decline in donations and an uptick in applications.

In June, the non-profit charity distributed food boxes to feed 823 individuals, compared to 797 in March.

“We’re low on food but in the past, it has never been this early,” said Iverson.

In previous years, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Food Drive in May would carry the food bank through the summer. The local operation received slightly more than nine tons of food, a definite plus but considerably down from 14 tons a few years ago.

Numbers of individuals needing food assistance are usually higher during the summer because children are on summer recess and don’t receive school lunches.

Traditionally, donations decline during the summer months because many Extended Hands Food Bank supporters and volunteers are seasonal residents.

Another factor in play this year is a change in food stamp eligibility, said Iverson. He thinks a change in food stamp eligibility may be impacting the increased number for emergency food assistance.

The revised federally-funded food stamp program now cuts off food stamps to adults without children after three months if they do not work 80 hours a month.

The new eligibility rules took effect April 1. At that time, it was estimated 21,000 Arizonans will lose their eligibility

“We try to be generous, even though our food is limited. People are still hungry,” said Iverson.

Fish fry eliminated

The popular Friday night fish fry dinners have been eliminated because the lease on the facility, Warehouse 8, is not being renewed after five years.

Iverson said the monthly lease has been paid by a board member who, because of illness, cannot continue making the payments.

“It’s a major blow to us, It was a good run,” said Iverson. On some Friday evenings, as many as 175 fish dinners were sold.

Volunteers needed

Thanks to about 50 volunteer workers, Extended Hands can stay within its monthly operating budget of $8,500.

Iverson said there’s always a need for additional individuals to give their time and raise awareness of the realities of hunger and poverty.

Volunteers sort, box and bag food and provide administrative and fundraising support.

Volunteers ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Bright spots

Donors can double their contribution to the non-profit organization and receive Arizona tax credit and federal tax deduction.

The amount now is $800 per couple and $400 for a single.

Jeff Iverson, son of the director, has joined the staff to maintain the website, ehfb.org, and will promote monthly food needs.

Peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, cereal and cans of tuna are in low supply now.

Food drives

Papa Murphy’s Pizza is collecting canned food items for Extended Hands Food Bank.

During the month of August, bring two cans of food to the store at 13525 Fountain Hills Blvd. and receive a $3 discount off any large or family-size pizza.

Collection bins are located in the lobby of the Community Center to collect donations.

Also, Bashas’ has containers at the front of the store for food donations.

Iverson said the other local supermarkets and Target contribute to St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix and not the local food operation.