MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Marana Food Bank and Community Resource Center plans to purchase the building they are operating out of currently owned by MHC Healthcare, located at 11734 W Grier Rd.
In a statement sent to KGUN9, Executive Director Carlos Valles says they are a targeting a November time frame to purchase the property. He states, "MHC has not imposed any deadlines during these discussions."
The food bank’s Program Manager, Luissel Palma says the building has served as the home of a food bank since the 1950s and the hope is for that to continue for years to come.
In statement sent to KGUN9 a spokesperson with MHC Healthcare states," All discussions between the MHC Healthcare and the Marana Food Bank regarding a sale of the property have been conducted in a manor mutually beneficial for both organizations. We have the utmost respect for the Marana Food Bank and will continue to work alongside them in their important mission."
In just a few months, the food bank is hoping to raise money to put towards the $220,000 cost of purchasing the building. In just a few weeks they have already received about $30,000 in donations from the community.
“The community heard that the building is up for sale, so they’re being really generous,” Palma said.
Palma explains this is a place everyone knows they can go to.
“Multiple generations have been coming to this food bank, so we want to keep that going,” she said.
According to a flyer from the food bank, there aren’t other comparable properties in the area for sale, so they really want to find a way to stay at the current location.
“Our last resort will be to get a mortgage on the building so that then we’ll be paying that off as we continue here,” Palma said.
——
Madison Thomas joined KGUN 9 in July of 2023 as a multimedia journalist. She graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2023 with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She has lived in Arizona her entire life and grew up in Douglas. Madison is thrilled to share the stories from the community she grew up in. Share your story ideas and important issues with Madison by emailing madison.thomas@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
