{"id":365604,"date":"2025-11-08T23:40:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T23:40:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/365604\/"},"modified":"2025-11-08T23:40:18","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T23:40:18","slug":"south-phoenix-families-get-food-and-health-support-at-annual-fall-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/365604\/","title":{"rendered":"South Phoenix families get food and health support at annual fall festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHOENIX \u2014 As the holidays approach, two of the biggest concerns for many Valley families are putting food on the table and finding access to health care.<\/p>\n

One south Phoenix event is stepping up to help with both.<\/p>\n

The Equality Health Foundation\u2019s<\/a> 9th Annual Health Fall Festival drew record crowds this year, a sign organizers say is both encouraging and concerning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re trying to bring some hope to people, families, and homes,\u201d said Tomas Leon, president of the Equality Health Foundation. \u201cThey\u2019re concerned about this economy, concerned about having enough to eat around Thanksgiving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"South<\/p>\n

KNXV<\/p>\n

More than 1,000 turkeys and 10,000 pounds of produce were distributed to south Phoenix families Saturday, thanks to a partnership between local nonprofits, schools, and volunteers.<\/p>\n

For volunteer Catina Tucker, it was about more than just giving out food.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a big opportunity we have to help one another,\u201d Tucker said. \u201cWe can\u2019t make all the changes, but while that\u2019s happening, we can do what we can for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n

Families lined up to pick up groceries, meet local organizations, and connect with resources, and for some, it meant one less worry heading into the holidays.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, there are some gaps, so we\u2019re thankful for this opportunity,\u201d Ryan Richards, a Valley mom said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo have this function going on to help families like myself, it was really good,\u201d Lyisha Smith said.<\/p>\n

Inside what organizers call \u201cthe Blue Zone,” a gymnasium filled with medical providers and health advocates, families could also receive free health screenings and learn about resources for ongoing care.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re meeting people where they\u2019re at,\u201d said Lupe Campos with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. \u201cIt\u2019s a one-stop shop to bring everything together and make sure people are comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alongside the giveaways and health checks, the festival also featured face painting, games, and family-friendly fun.<\/p>\n

Dr. Dani Portillo, superintendent of the Roosevelt School District, said the event represents more than donations; it\u2019s about building lasting connections.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe need is there,\u201d Portillo said. \u201cBut aside from getting some free stuff, we\u2019re here to build community and help each other as neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Click here for a list of free and discounted food resources across the Valley.<\/a><\/p>\n

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