Douglas Area Food Bank’s Partnership with Community Food Bank Ends

Categories: Arizona Breaking NewsArizona State News

Volunteers distribute food to families in need at the Douglas Area Food Bank.

News Summary

The Douglas Area Food Bank’s long-standing partnership with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona will end due to civil rights complaints. This change, effective June 4, 2025, leaves over 600 families in need of food assistance. While the Community Food Bank will continue monthly mobile distributions, local officials are exploring ways to support affected families amid rising demand for food aid.

Douglas, Arizona—The Douglas Area Food Bank’s long-standing partnership with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona will come to an abrupt end this week due to several civil rights complaints. Effective June 4, 2025, the partnership will cease following the food bank’s final monthly distribution on that day. This announcement arrives during a time when the local population has seen an increase in the number of families requiring food assistance.

In its operational transition, the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona will continue to serve the Douglas area through two monthly mobile food distributions. These mobile distributions are scheduled for the first and second Mondays of each month and will take place at the address of 1300 San Antonio Ave. Additionally, the organization will work with various partner agencies to ensure that food assistance remains accessible to those in need.

This termination of partnership was communicated to Javier Fimbres, the President of the Douglas Area Food Bank, about a month ago. Just before the monthly distribution, officials informed the food bank that they would no longer be allowed to collect food donations from Walmart, a practice that had been part of their operations for years. The timing of this notification came as a shock to Fimbres and the food bank staff, leaving them with limited time to implement alternative solutions.

Local officials, including Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, were also informed of the partnership’s end that same morning. In response to the implications for the community, Mayor Grijalva suggested that Fimbres consider applying for a city donation to help secure food resources for local families. This request will be discussed in an upcoming city council meeting. However, Fimbres has noted that if the council approves such funding, it may take months for any financial assistance to become available.

The Douglas Area Food Bank has reported that more than 600 families rely on their monthly food distributions. The organization has expressed significant concern over maintaining stability and assistance for residents during this transitional phase, particularly as they are witnessing an increase in demand for their services due to ongoing economic pressures. Residents like Otilia Roman have voiced the critical importance of food distribution programs, stating that such assistance is vital for families struggling to keep up with rising living costs.

The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona referred to the civil rights complaints as the reason for ending the partnership. There has been no detailed public disclosure regarding the nature of these complaints, but the implications are being felt across the Douglas community as local organizations scramble to find new ways to meet the heightened demand for food aid.

In conclusion, as the Douglas Area Food Bank prepares for the change in operations and continues to seek solutions during this period of uncertainty, the local government’s support will be crucial. The ability to provide food assistance remains a pressing concern for Douglas residents, and the food bank’s leadership is committed to ensuring they can stabilize services in the face of significant challenges ahead.