Paulden Food Bank Marks 30 Years of Serving the Community with Compassion and Hope

Last updated on junio 30th, 2026 at 01:21 pm

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PAULDEN, Arizona. — For 30 years, the Paulden Food Bank has been a lifeline for families across northern Yavapai County, providing food, encouragement, and hope for anyone in need. What began as a small community effort has grown into a vital resource that now serves more than 200 families every week.

The food bank, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. When the current executive director, John Ellis, began leading the organization, several years ago, the food bank served an average of 75 families each week, with the busiest weeks reaching about 95 families. Today, demand has nearly tripled. “We’re now serving an average of over 200 families every Thursday,» John Ellis, executive director, said.

A Strong Partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank

One of the key reasons the Paulden Food Bank has been able to meet the growing need is its longstanding partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix.

Every week, St. Mary’s delivers a truckload of food to Paulden, supplying fresh produce, meats, canned goods, dairy products, bread, pasta, eggs, bottled water, baked goods, and many other essential items.

Beyond food donations, St. Mary’s has also supported the organization through grants that have helped improve the facility and purchase needed equipment.

The food bank relies on approximately 50 active volunteers, many of whom are residents of Paulden. Others travel from Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Prescott to lend a helping hand.

Although the food bank officially opens to the public every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers spend much of the week sorting food, organizing donations, and preparing for distribution.

Many visitors arrive as early as 8 a.m., long before the doors open.

«They come early, visit each other, build friendships, and enjoy the fellowship. It’s become more than just picking up food, it’s a place where people connect,» Ellis expressed.

Open to Everyone

The Paulden Food Bank welcomes anyone who needs food. No identification is required to receive regular food distributions.

For those wishing to participate in certain government assistance programs, such as senior food boxes or emergency food box programs, Arizona residency, identification, and income eligibility are required.

Each week, visitors can receive a variety of foods, including:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Meats
• Eggs
• Bread and pastries
• Pasta
• Canned goods
• Bottled water and beverages

The food bank also benefits from donations by local farmers, who regularly provide freshly harvested produce.

Community Support Keeps the Doors Open

Operating in a small rural community without many businesses, the Paulden Food Bank depends heavily on donations from individuals, churches, charitable organizations, and supporters from across Arizona.

Local businesses such as the Paulden Country Market also contribute whenever possible, while generous donors from surrounding communities continue to help sustain the ministry.

More Than Food

For the volunteers, feeding families is only part of the mission.

Each Thursday begins with a volunteer devotion, and before the food distribution starts, volunteers gather to pray for community members who request prayer.

When asked what message he would like to share with the community, John Ellis answered, «it is simple, God loves them.»

That message of compassion and faith has guided the Paulden Food Bank for three decades—and continues to inspire the volunteers who work each week to ensure no neighbor goes hungry.

Paulden Food Bank is located at 195 Aspen Rd BOX 414, Paulden, Arizona.