Community Rally In Sierra Vista To Combat Local Food Needs

A few weeks ago, I checked in with Cochise County Food Network Coordinator, Wendee Carolan‑Grinde. She explained Cochise County has a poverty rate of 16.3%, and with recent changes to government programs like SNAP and other benefits, the need in our area is growing every day.

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Today, a press release from the City of Sierra Vista outlined the success of a recent community effort to provide food for our neighbors in need.

READ: Cochise County Food Pantries Need Shelf-Stable Foods

Celebrating the Food Drive Efforts

Sierra Vista celebrated a big win in the community this week. The Cochise County Food Network honored both the Sierra Vista City Hall and the Sierra Vista Police Department for working so hard for this year’s countywide food drive.

The sides challenged each other to see who could collect the most food for the Network. What started as a friendly challenge quickly turned into a full‑blown community effort, and the results were amazing.

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SVPD Sparks a Friendly Competition

Back in March, Sierra Vista Police Chief Chris Hiser made a social media video in which he threw down the gauntlet to all local law enforcement agencies to see who could collect the most food.

To make things even more fun, SVPD invited residents to help fill the bed of the department’s very first vehicle, a classic 1955 Ford F100 that had recently been donated back to the City. Sierra Vista residents didn’t hesitate to fill the bed with shelf-stable food.

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Community Support Goes Above and Beyond

According to Wendee Carolan‑Grinde, “Chief Hiser just blew everybody out of the water.” The department received strong local support, and SVPD gathered an impressive 1,562 pounds of food. Every can and box collected will go straight to local food banks to help our neighbors in need.

City Hall Joins the Effort

Not to be left out, Sierra Vista City Hall added its own contribution through an on‑site donation box. Staff and visitors pitched in to bring the total up another 84 pounds. The spirit of giving runs throughout all of our city’s departments.

A Countywide Success Story

Altogether, the Cochise County Food Network collected more than 9,000 pounds of food during this year’s drive.

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With a county poverty rate of 16.3%, these donations make a meaningful difference for families that are facing food insecurity. Sierra Vista achieved what it does best: showing up for our community.

Check out Harley interviewing Wendee Carolan-Grinde and others about the launch of the food drive, posted to the K101 Facebook page:

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