By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona and Community Food Bank have announced plans to merge.
Read more Simple steps to protect yourself from identity theft
The merger is expected to go into effect on Oct. 1, 2026.
The two food assistance programs said they are joining together to strengthen their organizations.
“Mobile Meals has always been about more than delivering a meal,” CEO of Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona L’Don Sawyer said. “It is about making sure people who are vulnerable, isolated, or facing health challenges know that someone cares and that their community has not forgotten them. This partnership allows us to preserve the heart of Mobile Meals while providing the stability and support needed for the future.”
As the merger begins, leaders said services will operate as normal.
“Mobile Meals has earned the trust of this community through decades of compassionate service,” CEO of Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona Natalie Jayroe said. “We are honored to help carry that legacy forward. Our goal is to strengthen and support this program while preserving the care, connection and dignity that have made Mobile Meals so meaningful to the people it serves.”
The organization said it expects the Mobile Meals name to continue as Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona and operate as an enterprise of Community Food Bank.
Read more William Shatner and his daughter reveal they beat stage 4 cancer together
Food banks struggle
Local food banks have been struggling to meet community needs after economic setbacks such as changes to SNAP and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
The recent Cyclosporiasis outbreak has added a different set of issues, with inventory needing to shift to more shelf-stable foods.
=====================================================
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app, which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more Extreme Heat Warning in effect through the weekend
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.