Meet The Board
Meet the community leaders who guide Extended Hands Food Bank with passion, care, and a shared commitment to serving our neighbors in need.
*Photo taken from 2025 2nd Annual Board Meeting*
From Left to Right: Jerry Froio, Kathy Froio, Sharon Iverson, David Iverson, Allyson Iverson, Dustin Cannon, Arnold Reyes, Kay Reyes
About Hunger
In many ways, America is the land of plenty. But for 1 in 6 Americans, hunger is a reality. Many people believe that the problems associated with hunger are confined to small pockets of society, certain areas of the country, or certain neighborhoods, but the reality is much different. Right now, millions of Americans are struggling with hunger. We all know and are in contact with people affected by hunger, even though we might not be aware of it. These are often hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days. Most of us simply have no idea. It’s time to educate ourselves about the causes of hunger in America.
Currently nearly 1 in 3 children, 1 in 5 Arizonans, and 1 in 7 seniors in Arizona live in poverty.*
Arizona’s hunger rates are higher than national averages: 13.1% of Arizonans are food insecure, compared to 13.5% nationally, and 1 in 5 of Arizonan children face hunger!
Arizona ranks fourteenth in the country for high child food insecurity rates, with California leading, with children facing hunger on a daily basis.
2 million Arizonans are considered working poor, living at or below the Federal Poverty Guideline. This is the majority of those served by the Food Bank’s emergency food box program.
More than 40% of the households receiving emergency food assistance have at least one person who is working.
Our Story
In 2004, Pastor David Iverson found out that the local Fountain Hills food bank was going to close. Having a heart for the community, he decided to work with the former directors and took over the role of feeding our community. His mission was simple: helping our friends and neighbors during difficult times.
His first decision was to change the name from St. Dominics to Extended Hands Food Bank. He was reminded of an old hymn he learned growing up that went:
| "Oh to be His hands extended, reaching out to the oppressed."
This became the driving force over the years to keep the food bank open, even as it weathered its own difficult times. Pastor David knew there would always be a need in our community, and to close the food bank’s doors would leave hundreds of people facing food insecurity.
Since 2004, the demand for the food bank has continued to increase as more and more of our friends and neighbors lost jobs. No one ever wants to be put in the position of choosing between paying the mortgage or putting food on the table, but that is what commonly happens—people having to make tough financial decisions that ultimately leave them without money for food.
That is where our great community of volunteers and financial supporters stepped in to say, “No one should have to go without food.” Monthly, we now serve upwards of 1,000 people, giving not only food but, more importantly, HOPE, relieving the stress of wondering, “Will we be able to put food on the table for our kids?”
Our volunteers prepare hundreds of food boxes and bags every month. Each one contains items most families need to make great meals. In addition to the food boxes, families can pick up bread donated from local grocery stores. All of this helps us eliminate hunger in our community, one person at a time.
So we ask that you please consider DONATING financially and VOLUNTEERING your time to help us continue our great effort of helping our friends and neighbors during difficult times.
Allyson Iverson
Executive Director
If you've ever called our office or seen us around town, chances are you've met our Executive Director, Allyson Iverson. She began volunteering at just four years old inspired by her grandfather's passion for the community!
David Iverson
Founder
David started EHFB in 2004 with a small group of volunteers and now has welcomed over 50+! His dedication and passion for this mission has shown so much over the last 20+ years through his hard work to end hunger in the northeast valley!
"Passion is what drives a non-profit!" -David
Jerry Froio
Board Member
Served on our board for 3 years!
From 1999-2009, Jerry and his wife Kathy led a homeless ministry in Phoenix, Tempe, & Mesa through Dream Center in North Scottsdale & Fountain Hills Christian Center with the Founder, David Iverson!
Arnold Reyes
Board Member
Served on our board for 5 years now!
Since moving to Arizona in 2005, Arnold Reyes and his wife have been active supporters of nonprofits and food banks throughout the state. He got to know Pastor Iverson through their involvement with Saturday Night Ministries at the food bank.
