In the heart of Jasper, a growing network of neighbors is stepping up to tackle food insecurity — and it all starts with a simple green bag. Each month, two neighborhood volunteers collect nonperishable food from Jasper homes and deliver to those who need it most through the Yavapai Food Neighbors Project.

One of the volunteers making a big impact is Greg Wong. Inspired by years of volunteering at food banks in California, he saw the need in Prescott Valley even more before moving here. When he read about food insecurity in the area and saw a post about becoming a neighborhood coordinator, he thought it was a great way to get neighbors right on his street involved and support those in need.

Catherine Barnes, another neighborhood coordinator, had a similar motivation. She was looking for a way to get involved after moving to the Prescott Valley area. As a local teacher, she sees the hunger needs in the community every day. She loves the Yavapai Food Neighbors Project’s mission and it’s easy to be involved by donating just a few hours each month.

Together, Greg and Catherine’s efforts are helping to make a difference and expand Jasper’s impact. Jasper’s contributions have grown by more than 20% since 2024. February marked the largest neighborhood donation yet. In total 11,640 pounds of food were collected in Prescott Valley, benefiting the Prescott Valley food bank and the Mayer school’s backpack program.

Both Greg and Catherine believe it’s important to support food relief programs. With many families and seniors struggling with food insecurity, it’s a way to address hunger and help redistribute food in the community. “Food is something many of us take for granted each day,” Catherines notes.

“Food insecurity in Yavapai County is a bigger issue than many people realize,” Greg says. In smaller towns like Prescott Valley, he believes the Jasper community can make a real impact. Volunteering and donating allows neighbors to address local challenges directly. And you don’t have to be an expert, Catherine adds. “I have been surprised by how easy it is to volunteer in whatever way you are able,” she said. Whether it’s collecting, sorting, or donating, every little bit matters.