Editorial: Take care of each other in the New Year

According to the Association of Arizona Food Banks (AAFB), one in three Arizonans out of our six million-plus population is considered working poor. That means they live at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, earning $40,800 or less for a family of four. AAFB estimates as many as 17 percent, or 375,687,507 actual meals, are missing from working poor Arizonans' diets.

Locally, the Williams Food Bank serves an average of 150 families each month when doors are open two Fridays.

You can make a difference by donating non-perishable food items or money. Items provided to families regularly include beef stew, pasta, canned meats and soups, Hamburger, Chicken/Tuna Helpers, canned vegetables and fruits, rice, cereal, spaghetti sauce, condiments, crackers, beans, juice, pickled foods and olives. Non-food items include toilet paper, baby items, adult diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, dish soap and dog and cat food.

This Christmas, the Food Bank distributed 250 turkey boxes consisting of 50 items to those who would not have otherwise enjoyed a holiday dinner.

It is never too early or too late to help. People need to eat all year, not just during the holidays.

If you do not have money to spare, you can make a difference by volunteering at the food bank.

Interested parties can call Guy or Angie Mikkelsen at 607-6421 or 607-7915 to find out how they can help or stop by the food bank located at 200 S. Ninth St.