b'Summer heat, inflation and rising supply chain issues lead to decrease in food donations and increase in support needed for vulnerable children and adultsA SUMMER DROUGHT FORDesert MissionT he link between hunger andto support the community, states Sue Sadecki, MS, poor health is undeniable, as isEd, FABC, and Executive Director of Desert Mission the connection between poorand Community Services. It may seem like an academic success and developmentinteresting combination, but the truth is, families in opportunities. With the support of aour community need help across many areas of daily generous and caring community, Desert Missionlife from food to education and adult care so they can is addressing both through their three primarymeet basic needs.programs: their Food Bank, which specializes inWater is always in high demand for clients of Desert fresh, nutritious items not generally found in charityMission Food Bank, as are nutritious foods like food boxes; Lincoln Learning Center, an accreditedfruit and vegetables, which are seeing a spike in early childhood learning center that preparescost that many families cannot afford. With rising children for a successful start in school; and an Adultprices across the spectrum of basic needs, the most Day Health Care center, a safe and social placevulnerable in our community are being forced to for elders, most of whom live with neurologicalchoose between gasoline for their commute or fresh conditions and require constant supervision. produce for their families.These vital programs are feeling the strain only theAs a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring accessible Arizona summer heat can bring. health and social services to children and families at Each year, Desert Mission serves more than 40,000risk, it is the generosity of donors that helps Desert adults, children and families in need in north andMission power ahead in times of intensified need.central Phoenix through an array of donor-fundedThese past few years we have been reminded that programs and services. Its mission addresses socialgifts of kindness and support truly are the foundation determinants of healththe conditions in whichof Desert Mission and our ability to deliver our mission people are born, grow, live, work and age. to the community in times of crisis, remarks Sue. Generally speakingfood, water and scholarshipsThank you for your generosity, as we can only build are truly what our greatest needs are this summerresilient, strong and healthy communities together.14 HonorHealth Foundation Magazine'