Superstition Community Food Bank told to leave its county-owned home of 33 years within five years

The Superstition Community Food Bank, which has handed out groceries from a Pinal County complex in Apache Junction for 33 years, has five years to find a new home.

Pinal County is expanding its own services at the Roy W. Hudson Pinal County Plaza, 575 N. Idaho Road, and needs the space, the Apache Junction/Gold Canyon Independent reported Saturday. The plaza sits at the southeast corner of Idaho Road and Superstition Boulevard.

Executive director Erik Arriola told the Independent the county's notice came as a surprise and brought uncertainty, but that the organization now sees a chance to secure a permanent location. He set a goal of having a clear plan by the end of 2027.

Who it serves

The food bank reported helping 45,790 people in 18,114 families across Maricopa and Pinal counties in 2025. Its programs include the federal Emergency Food Assistance Program and Commodity Supplemental Food Program, holiday food boxes and a weekend backpack program for students. The Independent described the move as one of the biggest challenges in the nonprofit's 43-year history.

The plan

The food bank is putting together a relocation advisory committee to scout properties, size up what a new building would need, draw up plans and help raise money. It is looking for community and business leaders, real estate experts, contractors, architects, designers and fundraisers to serve.

Early planning has also started on a community capital campaign under the theme "Securing Our Future, Feeding Our Community." Buying and renovating a building, or constructing one, will take substantial money and partners, according to the report. The food bank wants a site with room to grow its programs and space for volunteers, and one it will not be forced to leave again.

Arriola told the Independent it will take the whole community to make the new home happen. People interested in the committee can reach the food bank at info@superstitionfoodbank.org.

Sources

yourvalley.net