HonorHealth Desert Mission’s Back to School Program

2024 Back to School Supply & Healthy Food Drive | Monday, June 3 – Friday, July 5

This year, HonorHealth Desert Mission is teaming up with the American Heart Association for our Back to School Supply & Healthy Food Drive.

Every child deserves equal opportunity and access to a quality education. By participating, you are ensuring children in our community have access to school supplies and nutritious foods (brain power!) over the summertime to set them up for success once school begins. Educators reported that when children have access to free school supplies, they experience a(n):

• 91%: Increase in preparedness
• 83%: Significant increase in participation
• 78%: Significant increase in student self-esteem
  (As reported by the Kids in Need Foundation)

Recommended school supplies: 

• Backpacks
• Zipper binders
• Assorted color 3-ring pencil pouches
• Folders (laminated or plastic)
• Single subject spiral notebooks (college and wide ruled)
• 24-pack of classic colored crayons, washable markers and/or colored pencils
• Pack of #2 pencils
• 5-inch blunt or pointed tip scissors
• Glue sticks
• 12-inch rulers

Foods to encourage:

There are children who receive their largest and most nutritious meals at school– and many families depend on this. But what happens over the summertime? Desert Mission Food Bank experiences a large increase in the number of households served per day, all the while, food donations tend to go down. Consider donating heart-healthy, shelf-stable foods to ensure children and their families are supported. Here’s a list of foods we love:

• Beans, lentils and nuts
• Canned fruit in light syrup or 100% juice
• Canned chicken and tuna in water
• Canola, sesame and olive oils
• Dried fruits with no added sugars
• Dried herbs and spices
• Low-sodium canned meals, soups and vegetables
• Natural peanut and other nut butters
• Green and white tea
• Whole grain and high fiber cereals
• Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice and oats
• Whole wheat crackers or pastas

*Please note: Foods must be unopened and must contain a nutrition label. 

How to participate:

School supply and food donations can be dropped off at Desert Mission Food Bank (9229 N 4th St., Phoenix) or at a donation bin location below.

Donation drop-offs

Back to School and food donations can be dropped off at Desert Mission Food Bank (9229 N 4th St., Phoenix) during our hours of operation. Please pull into the loading area to the left of the food bank entrance. Ring the doorbell and our friendly staff or volunteers will assist you.

We will still accept supplies onsite at the food bank even after our drive and scheduled pick-ups have ended!

Donation bin pick-up schedule 

Please ensure donations are brought to your assigned collection bins prior to the pick-up date below to make sure they are included. Donations after our scheduled pick-up dates will still be accepted and can be dropped off at Desert Mission Food Bank during our hours of operation (see hours and directions). If you’ve collected a large number of items and are in need of a truck pick-up, please contact Krystina Toscas at ktoscas@honorhealth.com.

Questions about our pick-up schedule or hoping to add a new location? Please contact Krystina Toscas at ktoscas@honorhealth.com for information.

Unable to donate supplies but would still like to support our program?  

HonorHealth Desert Mission is a qualifying charitable organization! Financial contributions to Desert Mission will be used towards supporting our community and those in need. Visit our donation page to make a contribution today!

Thank you!

Summertime resources to share

• Free summer meals for kids
• Kids’ Physical and Mental Health
• #RESOURCE

Have additional resources to share? Contact us and let us know!