Our mission is simple and powerful:to educate, advocate, engage and empower people to take action in the fight against hunger and poverty.

Founded in 1979, the World Hunger Ecumenical Arizona Task Force (WHEAT) was established to tackle the root causes of hunger and poverty. Grounded in faith and guided by conscience, WHEAT encourages individuals and communities to think globally and act locally—offering tools, education, and opportunities that empower individuals to create lasting change.

Work that inspires change.

Since 1979, WHEAT has been on the forefront of poverty and hunger issues.

Our primary goals are to:

• Equip people with the knowledge and resources to understand the causes and impacts of hunger and poverty.

• Empower individuals to achieve lasting self-sufficiency.

• Advocate for those without a voice, pursuing policy changes that address the root causes of hunger and poverty.

• Inspire and engage individuals to take action alongside those experiencing hunger and poverty.

WHEAT has worked to increase awareness, advocacy and action around hunger and poverty at local, national and international levels.

Through education, partnerships, legislative engagement and community-based programs, WHEAT empowers individuals and faith communities to take action and collaborates with a wide network of organizations to advance lasting solutions to hunger and poverty.

The work of WHEAT is to deepen understanding, strengthen sensitivity, and expand opportunities for meaningful change in the fight against hunger. We promote active engagement by individuals and groups in the legislative process, direct service initiatives, and funding support. To advance this mission, we have projects and activities with both local impact and global reach: WHEAT’s Fair Trade Store; The Clothes Silo, the Norma Johansen Hunger Library and the National World Food Day teleconference and its supporting activities.