WHEAT is a nonprofit organization doing business in the Greater Phoenix area. WHEAT is an acronym for World Hunger Education, Advocacy & Training. I posed ten questions to a representative of WHEAT in an effort to familiarize Phoenix area residents with the organization. Here are the responses I received.

What is the name of the organization?

World Hunger Education, Advocacy & Training - WHEAT

How long has the organization been operating in the Phoenix area?

WHEAT was formed in 1979 in Phoenix, Arizona

Does the organization serve a particular geographic area?

All of Arizona

Who is most likely to benefit from services provided by the organization?

As an anti-hunger organization we work to end poverty and hunger through education, advocacy and training…our current focus is on the working poor and those trying to achieve work – through WHEAT’s Management Training Program.

Women may receive a free, professional outfit for their upcoming interview or first day at work through WHEAT’s Clothes Silo with a referral voucher from one of WHEAT’s 116 Partner Agencies. Thousands of women have benefited from this service.

Internationally, artisans are able to feed, clothe, shelter and educate their families thanks to the sale of their handcrafted, quality items found in WHEAT’s Fair Trade store. The Arizona community benefits from this as well since they can purchase unique gifts for others while helping some one else – the ultimate gift that gives twice.

Are there requirements or prerequisites for people to access your services?

For both the Management Training program and the Voucher program, clients should get a referral from their case worker. The Management Training program operates on a semester basis of 200-hours each with 4 semesters held annually.

The Clothes Silo Voucher program is available to clients by referral.

The Fair Trade Store, WHEAT’s Hand to Hand Project, is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday year round.

Three things about WHEAT that people might not know.

1. WHEAT’s Clothes Silo is a wonderful boutique open tot the public where a woman’s purchase of new and gently used clothing supports WHEAT’s empowerment programs as well as provides great prices – nothing is over $20 (2010).

1. WHEAT’s Fair Trade Store has handcrafted items from 43 countries including the United States and supports the dignity of work while providing wonderful decor items, accessories, coffee and teas, artwork and more.
2. WHEAT is always looking for great volunteers for its many programs and projects to help in the fight against hunger through positive policy change, empowerment and projects leading to self sustenance.

What is the local address?

4000 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014 (in Plaza 4000 just south of Indian School at Fairmount on the west side of 7th Street.)

What is the local phone number?

602-955-5076

What is the URL of the local web site?

www.HungerHurts.org

Any other comments?

WHEAT equips Individuals with the tools for increased awareness, policy change and positive results. We believe that in our struggle to end the tragedy of hunger, we must not only provide food, but we must also work with and empower those living in poverty. In trying to break the cycle of poverty, WHEAT supports self-help projects and other activities and policies that help eliminate the root causes of hunger.

WHEAT is:

• The Premier Arizona Hunger Education Resource and Training Center
• Home of the Successful and Ever Popular Management Training Program
• Headquarters for AZ Hunger Walks & Operation: Sack Hunger
• Sponsor of the Statewide World Food Day Activities
• Champion of Life-Style Simplification
• Advocate for those living in poverty at the local, state, national and international levels
• Home of the Norma Johansen Hunger Library
• Member of Local, State, National & International Boards on Hunger & Poverty
• Parent Organization of The Clothes Silo and The Fair Trade Store – Hand to Hand Project

Come join us and help us bring an end to hunger…new volunteer orientations are held monthly.
_{All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.}

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