St. Mary’s is the First Food Bank in the world and was started in Phoenix in 1967 by John Van Hengel with a $3000 loan from his church, St. Mary’s Basilica. He paid back the loan but named the food bank after the church. So even though we are not affiliated with the church, the name remains as a legacy to founding supporter. Now with Milt as the CEO, he has continued to bridge the gap for Arizona Communities with nourishment for today and hope for tomorrow.