Giving back is a longstanding tradition for U-Haul®. That’s why each September when Hunger Action Month arrives, U-Haul Team Members step up to help people affected by food insecurity across Arizona.
U-Haul recently benefitted charity partner St. Mary’s Food Bank® in Phoenix, where U-Haul has been headquartered since 1967, by hosting a food drive. Nearly 500 pounds of food were delivered to the nonprofit.
Efforts culminated with Go Orange Day on Sept. 9, a sponsored day to shine a light on families struggling with hunger. The color orange serves as a symbol of hunger awareness.
Ten U-Haul Team Members visited St. Mary’s new volunteer complex near the nonprofit’s main warehouse to pack 2,016 family food boxes. These boxes full of nonperishable items and cooking essentials will help at-risk populations throughout central and northern Arizona.
In addition to the volunteer hours, U-Haul presented St. Mary’s with a $15,000 check as the sponsor of Go Orange Day.
The sum of the monetary donation, food drive and volunteer work was 119,745 meals provided.
| Go Orange Day | U-Haul Contribution | Meals Equivalent |
| Volunteering | 2,016 family boxes | 44,352 meals |
| Food Drive | 472 lbs. | 393 meals |
| Monetary Donation | $15,000 | 75,000 meals |
| Total | 119,745 meals |
“St. Mary’s does amazing things to fight food insecurity in our state, and playing a role in that is important to our Team Members,” said Sydney Ellis, U-Haul Media and Public Relations Specialist. “It’s always a fun day of camaraderie when we get to spend time packing food boxes at St. Mary’s Food Bank as a group.”
Through its contributions of food, time and financial support, U-Haul has once again earned the distinction of Hunger Action Hero. The honor is awarded by St. Mary’s Food Bank and Feeding America to recognize organizations and individuals who go above and beyond in the fight against hunger.
Go Orange Day is just one of many ways U-Haul supports local communities.
To learn more about Hunger Action Month or to find ways you can help, visit St. Mary’s Food Bank at stmarysfoodbank.org.
