Sometimes life gives you a wake-up call.

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A surprise pregnancy at age 35 was the wake-up call Aretha needed. It inspired her to break a decades-long addiction to drugs and alcohol — and to find a safe and stable place for her daughter to be born.

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Aretha found that place at a local women’s shelter, one of our nonprofit partners. And she found a much-needed support community, thanks in part to you!

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Monday nights are a special time at the shelter. That’s when the new and expectant moms share a meal as a family. It’s also when Waste Not makes food drop-offs.

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Aretha says she lived for Mondays ...

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... When she felt alone, there were fresh veggies to cook alongside other moms.

... When she was tempted to use drugs again, there was pizza to calm her cravings.

... And when she or another mom felt hopeless, you supplied a birthday cake to

…remind them that life is worth celebrating.

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Today, Aretha and her daughter are thriving! They have their own apartment and Aretha has a full-time job. Now she inspires new moms to leave unhealthy habits behind and embrace the healing power of community.

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Can we count on you to help more determined moms like Aretha?

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As you consider your gift today, please remember that Arizona offers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit—plus the usual deduction—for gifts to Waste Not. That means you can get every dollar you give back on your state taxes. And there’s no need to itemize!

 

 

Here’s a snapshot of the impact you can create at no cost to you.

 

• Single filers can give up to $400 = 2,000 meals

• Married couples filing jointly can give $800 = 4,000 meals

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Because of your generous support, we rescued over 35,000 pounds of quality food from restaurants, caterers, and grocery stores this year. Food that otherwise would have gone into local landfills ...

 

 

Instead, it gave neighbors like Aretha comfort, hope, and a vital sense of community—just when they needed it most