By Matthew Holloway |

Resolution Copper has donated $285,000 to Mesa-based United Food Bank under a multi-year agreement extending through December 2028, according to the company. The donation comes as food banks across Arizona report record demand driven by rising food and household costs.

The funding will support United Food Bank’s programs and operations across its 19,000-square-mile service area, which stretches from Arizona’s East Valley to the New Mexico border and includes parts of Maricopa, Pinal, and Gila counties, as well as southern Navajo and Apache counties, including the Copper Corridor.

Resolution Copper President and General Manager Vicky Peacey said the company’s focus in this donation is on food security, particularly in mining and tribal communities within the Copper Corridor, including Superior, Globe, and Miami.

“Mining has always been about more than minerals. It is about people,” Peacey said in the release, adding that meeting basic needs such as food security is essential to building strong communities. “Our work in the Copper Triangle connects us to communities that have powered Arizona’s economy for generations. But we know that strong communities start with meeting basic needs, and for many families, that means food security.”

United Food Bank President and CEO Jason Reed said the multi-year partnership will strengthen the nonprofit’s ability to respond to increasing demand across its service area, including during emergencies when access to food and water may be limited.

According to United Food Bank, demand for food assistance reached record levels in 2025, fueled by economic instability and rising costs for food and household necessities. Reed noted that while food banks often receive increased attention during the holiday season, the need for assistance continues year-round.

United Food Bank partners with more than 125 food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters, and community organizations across eastern Arizona. While food drives help stock shelves, the organization said monetary donations allow for greater flexibility and impact.

Resolution Copper is developing what the company says has the potential to become one of the largest copper mines in the United States, with an estimated $1 billion annual economic impact for Arizona and the creation of thousands of local jobs. The development, approximately 60 miles east of Phoenix near Superior, AZ, has received support from the Trump administration, while also facing opposition from environmental groups. The company said it supports a range of community initiatives, including education, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.

Reed said the partnership will strengthen food assistance efforts across Arizona, particularly in tribal communities. “This partnership provides critical, multi-year support for our food programs across Arizona,” Reed said. “It strengthens our ability to meet rising demand, address day-to-day food insecurity, and respond during emergencies when access to food and water is at risk. Support for tribal communities is an important part of this agreement, reflecting the shared commitment to the communities we serve.”

Resolution Copper Mining LLC is owned 55% by Resolution Copper Company, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto PLC, and 45% by BHP Copper Inc., a subsidiary of BHP PLC.

United Food Bank, founded in 1983, serves more than 100,000 Arizonans each month and is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.