WHAT IT TAKES TO DO A LUNCH PACK (and Thanks!!)
From Kris Bartanen
A fellow New Journeyan suggested that not everyone knows what all we deliver for downtown Phoenix heat respite on our designated Mondays, and what support makes that possible. Here’s a brief rundown:
200 sandwiches (cheese* and PB&J*) – preferred because some do not eat meats, for health or religious reasons [20 loaves of bread purchased by Jane Stoss from Bashas]
100 mustard packets*, to accompany the cheese sandwiches
200 Nutrigrain bars – preferred as dental issues among persons experiencing homelessness make nuts or other crunchies difficult (and chocolate melts in the heat) [Costco]
200 single-serving bags of chips*
200 pieces of (soft) fruit (mandarins, bananas) [purchased by Brenda Galindez, or from Bashas]
210 servings of Liquid IV electrolyte powder [Costco** – often there are limits of 4 per buyer with discounts, so Peter Bartanen and Brenda Galindez help order]
200 napkins
*Purchased by Kris Bartanen at Restaurant Depot in Mesa, thanks to Harry Vaughn getting New Journey a membership many years ago.
**If you have a Costco membership, you could help with Liquid IV purchasing (and be reimbursed for your order). Costco delivery is free.
In addition, a large pallet of water (1920 bottles) has been delivered for New Journey, this year ordered by the office manager at Peace in the Desert Church in Scottsdale.
Why do we deliver “in bulk” instead of packing lunch bags?
First Church prefers the items in bulk because a “buffet” approach to lunches works better in their limited facility space and, in their experience, creates less waste because people take what they will eat rather than getting a bag from which they throw some things away. We deliver the sandwiches re-bagged and in foil trays so that they can slide into their church freezer or refrigerator.
For our August 23 and September 8 packs (the latter with Inspiration Academy in Fountain Hills), we will pack brown bags (same ingredients as above) to be delivered to Wesley United Methodist Church in South Phoenix. They prefer bagged lunches because they can share them as needed with nearby “cooling pods” or respite centers.
Who pays for all of this?
The Northeast Valley Consortium (Christ the Lord, Living Water, New Covenant, New Journey, Peace in the Desert), for the past three years, has received hunger grant funds ($15,000 in 2026) from Ascension Lutheran hunger funds for the heat respite project, which runs from June 1 through mid-September. Those responsible for administering the Ascension grant funds expect to see some financial “buy in” from each of the NEVC partner congregations. NJLC’s 2026 allocation is $4,400 due to our hosting 5 of the 16 total lunch packs.
New Journey has, for many years, received $250 Thrivent Action Team grants to help with the project. This year, our grant is focused on additional heat respite needs beyond lunches (stayed tuned for August 9!).
The NEVC last year received in-kind donations of chips from Foothills Food Bank in Cave Creek, which released funds to purchase some additional water pallets. This year, given the demands on food banks, provision of chips has been more uncertain.
In earlier years, a faithful New Journeyan funded an additional water pallet annually.
Some of those helping to purchase or deliver food supplies donate their items and/or mileage, though all are eligible for reimbursement from grant funds.
What is the impact? We help save lives.
In the 2025 heat season, Arizona Faith Network welcomed more than 55,000 visits by over 8,250 unique persons to 17 heat relief centers. 70%+ were persons experiencing homelessness; nearly 30% were persons in homes without air conditioning – largely older adults who are most vulnerable to extreme heat. Heat deaths in Maricopa County dropped to 430 in 2025 vs. 608 in 2024, and 645 in 2023, and emergency rooms saw a 10% decrease in heat-related visits despite 2025 being the 7th-warmest summer in 100 years. Read more here.
