28 DECEMBER 2018 By Elaina Verhoff When Joni Navarro-Sucato started volunteering to read with students in the Wilson School District – just north of Sky Harbor Airport – years ago, she would bring in treats as a special surprise for the kids. “The kids would put their treats in a backpack!” says Navarro-Sucato, explaining that she was surprised the kids wouldn’t devour them immediately, until she realized they were bringing the goodies home, so they wouldn’t have to go to bed hungry. “I got a couple girlfriends together and we started contacting local businesses and went to a couple of food pantries and supplied food that families needed,” she explained. This was the start of Feed Our Babies, an organization that has now been in operation for eight years, becoming a 501(c)3 about three years ago, and moving to its current location at Monte Vista Church of the Nazarene (3313 N. 40th St.) one year ago. “We not only wanted to make sure our kids are well-fed and no children are coming to school hungry, but also that they have nutritious food,” Navarro-Sucato said. The Wilson School District schools and local businesses were extremely supportive of her efforts. Today, the Wilson School District is completely self-sufficient, and she has since expanded her organization’s work to serve the Scottsdale Unified and the Creighton School Districts. The mission of Feed Our Babies is to provide healthy food for families in the school system. “We let teachers or community specialists identify the need for us. They give us a call and we provide food boxes to the families. They either come and get food or send families to the pantry,” she said. The Midwest Food Bank and Resurrection Ministry provide food free of charge to the organization. Fox Restaurant Concepts is also a major partner. Most families receive assistance from the organization for one or two weeks. “Usually they get back on their feet or the community specialists help them get jobs, or we connect them with other nonprofits. The main focus is that they are self-sufficient within two weeks,” she said. While most food banks have a certain maximum income requirement, Feed Our Babies does not identify income. “We identify based on need, which sets us apart,” said Navarro-Sucato, “and we work within the school system.” She was surprised to learn that Scottsdale has 7,000 working families with food insecurities. “Who would have known that Scottsdale has such a big problem?” The organization is run by volunteers, and 100 percent of donations go to children and families and food. One of the largest events the organization puts on every year is a Thanksgiving dinner, held at Ingleside Middle School in the past, and now held at its pantry on 40th Street. For more: feedourbabiesusa.org. Feed Our Babies provides food for thousands of families Heating SyStem maintenance Only $89 per system Offer expires 12/31/18. Retiring soon? Confused about Medicare? The Physicians Mutual family has the answers. Attend a FREE Transitioning to Retirement Seminar 5pm, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 Buca di Beppo 3828 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85251 Appetizers and refreshments during this seminar! RSVP - 602-705-1462

s 39 natural awakenings May 2016 39 natural awakenings May 2016