Arizona Lottery Gives Back sponsorship will fund American Heart Association’s delivery of 4,000 pounds of fresh produce to feed for low-income seniors during pandemic

PHOENIX (June 17, 2020) – The Arizona Lottery is announcing a Gives Back sponsorship to the American Heart Association, who, in conjunction with Gregory’s Fresh Market, will be providing fresh produce, science-based nutritional education and heart-healthy recipes to some of our most vulnerable residents during the current COVID-19 pandemic: low-income seniors. This donation will fund the purchase and delivery of approximately 400 tote bags of fruits and vegetables to residents at subsidized senior living facilities.

As the number of COVID-19 cases rise in Arizona, senior citizens face even greater risks in leaving their home to grocery shop. This can pose an even greater challenge for low-income seniors who may have difficulty affording nutrient-dense fresh produce.

“The mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for a world of healthier, longer lives is more important than ever,” said Deborah Bateman, Chair of the American Heart Association’s Greater Phoenix Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of National Bank of Arizona. “We’re working to meet the needs of our Phoenix community and that includes prioritizing access to healthy foods and proper nutrition to local seniors. We’re so grateful to provide healthy produce and thrilled to collaborate on the initiative with the Arizona Lottery.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with the American Heart Association and The Arizona Lottery to provide produce to seniors,” said Diana Gregory, President and CEO of Gregory’s Fresh Market. “We are committed to working with community partners to address the need for fresh fruits and vegetables in our community and to build a healthier community through food, education, and leadership.

“The Arizona Lottery exists to do good in the community and we leap at every opportunity that we can to assist organizations across Arizona with that same mission,” said Arizona Lottery Executive Director Gregg Edgar. “These are challenging times for organizations like the American Heart Association, and the Arizona Lottery saw this as an innovative way to help meet that challenge. It is so wonderful to partner with great organizations to have impact for Arizona."

The Arizona Lottery and American Heart Association will distribute 100 bags of fruits and vegetables to the residents of four Valley-area senior housing facilities.

• Tuesday, June 23 at Tanner Terrace in Glendale
• Tuesday, June 30 at Pine Towers in Phoenix