United Food Bank Urges Businesses to Host Food Drives

Mesa Firm Finds Creative Way to Donate to Food Bank

Mesa, Ariz. – This year, clients and business associates of Canyon Communications, a Mesa-based advertising and PR agency, will receive a cookbook for their Holiday gift. Not just any cookbook, however, it’s one that is being specially created to help feed hungry people.

In July, associates and friends of Canyon were asked via e-mail to share their favorite “comfort food” recipes. For each recipe received, Canyon set aside $10 to give to United Food Bank in Mesa. The recipes are being compiled into the new cookbook called “There’s No Taste Like Home.” In addition to the donation, Canyon employees contributed more than 100 cans of food to the food bank.

“The holidays are about sharing and at Canyon Communications we wanted a creative holiday gift that our clients would enjoy receiving and one that would allow us to give back to our community,” said Nancy Landl, president, Canyon Communications. “We received an incredible response to our recipe request, all wanting to share their favorite recipes and be part of the donation to the food bank. We were able to donate $1,000 to United Food Bank.”

“We were so grateful when we received a call from Nancy at Canyon Communications,” said Melissa Forrester, resource development assistant, United Food Bank. “This year, more than ever, we’re having challenges receiving donations. People are not able to donate as they could in the past-their dollars are not going as far. The donation from Canyon was incredible; it will allow us to provide meals for more than 4,000 people.”

According to Forrester, the easiest way for a company to get involved and help the food bank is to host a food drive at their office and to make it fun for employees.

“Hosting a food drive at your office doesn’t cost you anything,” said Forrester. “It’s easy; all you have to do is call us. We’ll arrange a time to drop off a collection bin and signage. We’ll even set up a time to come back and pick up the donations. The best way to have a successful food drive is to make it fun for your employees-like Canyon did with collecting recipes for their holiday cookbook.”

United Food Bank is a private, non-profit that provides hunger relief and food assistance by collecting and distributing food through a network of more than 240 agencies in eastern Maricopa County, Gila and Pinal Counties and southern Apache and Navajo Counties. Last year, they distributed more than 11 million pounds of food which provided more than 8.9 million meals. This year, they expect their needs to increase.

“We were so thrilled to be able to give to United Food Bank,” concludes Landl. “Part of our mission at Canyon Communications is giving back to the community. Knowing that our donation will provide meals for people who otherwise wouldn’t have one is a comforting feeling.” 

About Canyon Communications
Founded in 1999, Canyon Communications Inc. is a top valley business-to-business integrated marketing communications agency based in Mesa, Ariz. Serving high-profile clients locally, nationally and internationally, Canyon provides comprehensive and strategic communication services including branding, web design, advertising, public relations, direct marketing, market research, interactive, event marketing and graphic design. For more information about Canyon Communications, please visit http://www.canyoncomm.com/.