Arizona Restaurant Association Partners with HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank

The Arizona Restaurant Association’s popular Arizona Restaurant Week events have long been an opportunity to support the hospitality industry in the state. This fall, the ARA is leveraging this event to raise vital funds for another important cause — helping underprivileged members of the community, those that are experiencing homelessness and those affected by the pandemic.

Fall 2021 Arizona Restaurant Week — taking place Friday, September 17 through Sunday, September 26 — will not only feed local food enthusiasts’ culinary desire, but it will also help feed, and provide for, vulnerable families in need through HonorHealth’s Desert Mission Food Bank and other programs that serve the greater Phoenix metro area.  Donations will fund the HonorHealth Desert Mission Endowment which ensures a reliable source of revenue so Desert Mission’s services and programs can continue to improve lives for generations to come. Desert Mission services include a food bank, early childhood learning center and adult day program.

“Our partnership with HonorHealth Foundation aligns with our longtime mission of advocacy and support of people right here in our community. It’s vital that we shift the focus to the individuals most in need right now. Through HonorHealth community programs, we can do this — and everyone can help,” says Steve Chucri, president and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association. “It’s a necessary mission and as a community, we can lift up those in need and make a change in their lives.”

For 10 days during Arizona Restaurant Week, diners can participate in the “Dine Out, Help Out” program in partnership with HonorHealth Foundation. When guests dine out during Arizona Restaurant Week this fall, they will receive, along with their bill, a QR code which they can scan via their smartphone to donate any amount to HonorHealth Desert Mission.

“It is a sad reality that one in four children don’t have reliable access to nutritious and affordable foods,” states Jared A. Langkilde, president and CEO of HonorHealth Foundation. “Community donations ensure vulnerable families across the Valley get the support they need to eliminate food insecurity and increase overall health.”

It’s as simple as that — but it’s a small action that will create big change for valley residents in need. Supporters can also directly donate to this essential fundraising effort here.