(PHOENIX–Aug. 29, 2025)–Advance Community (Advance) received a $100,000 donation from Molina Healthcare of Arizona (Molina) in support of the Phoenix-based nonprofit’s Food Box Program. The donation helped Advance purchase a refrigerated van that will be used for delivering nutritious food boxes to program participants in underserved communities.
A nonprofit that works locally and globally to break cycles of poverty through health education, nutrition, and access to care, Advance used the van for the first time as part of their Food Box Program on Friday, Aug. 8. Volunteers prepared more than 90 hand-packed boxes of fresh foods that were then delivered to Valleywise patients. The Valleywise Health Foundation is a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to providing financial support for critical patients and program needs like Advance’s Food Box Program.
Each 25-pound box is thoughtfully curated with staples like bread, eggs, butter, plant-based milk, spices, grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables—enough to feed a family of four for two to three days. Recipes are included to help families make the most of the ingredients.
Since launching the Food Box Program in June 2024, Advance has delivered 2,464 boxes to 442 participants—that’s consistent access to fresh, healthy meals for people who need it most. Deliveries happen twice a month.
“This van is so much more than transportation—it’s a lifeline,” said Jeri Royce, CEO of Advance Community. “It allows us to reach more families with healthy food, dignity, and hope. With Molina’s generosity, and the support of other community partners, we can continue breaking barriers to health and ensure that no one is left behind.”
“Molina shares Advance’s mission to enhance access to critical resources for underserved communities,” said Minnie Andrade, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Arizona. “We are grateful for the opportunity to join Advance in the great work they are doing to bring healthy, nutritious food to Arizonians, helping to improve their lives and well-being.”
Delta Dental has supported the van’s community presence by funding the van wrap, while Valleywise Health Foundation is ensuring the program’s long-term impact by funding the vehicle’s ongoing maintenance.
For more information about how to support Advance Community and its mission, visit https://advancecommunity.org/.
About Advance
Advance has been dedicated to transforming lives since its inception in 1970. Formerly known as Esperança, Advance works within under-resourced communities across the globe, providing health education, food security, disease prevention, access to clean water, ecological home-building, and life-altering surgeries in Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, Mozambique, and Peru. Advance strengthens under-resourced Latino communities across Maricopa County through programs such as oral health, chronic disease prevention/management, nutrition education and healthy meal delivery. With the vision of health equity for everyone and the goal of improving the future of healthcare, the Phoenix-based nonprofit is dedicated to advancing communities to help under-resourced children, adults and seniors live sustainable and fulfilling lives. More information about Advance is available at https://advancecommunity.org/.
About Molina Healthcare of Arizona
Molina Healthcare of Arizona, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid and Medicare programs in Arizona. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Arizona, please visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
