Arizona Chinese Community Honors First Responders with Meals and Appreciation During API Heritage Month

by Charles Tsui, 

President, UCA AZ

Phoenix, AZ – May 2025 — This May, in honor of National Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Arizona’s Chinese community proudly launches Food of Love 2025—a heartfelt initiative delivering traditional Chinese box lunches to police and fire departments across the Greater Phoenix area. 

With the theme “Serving Gratitude, One Box at a Time,” the event aims to express sincere appreciation to the first responders whose daily service keeps our communities safe and thriving. 

Deliveries will be made to Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale on June 3rd with 350 lunch boxes from Great Wall Cuisine, Red Wok Buffet, and Lin's Grand Buffet. Deliveries will be made to Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Peoria, and Tempe on June 4th with 600 lunch boxes from Phoenix Palace and Central Kitchen. 

 “Food is a universal language—and this is our way of saying thank you,” said Garry Ong, representing the Chinese Restaurant Association of Arizona. “By sharing the rich flavors of our culture, we hope to build deeper connections and show respect to the people who serve and protect us every day.” Organized by the Chinese Restaurant Association of Arizona, this collaborative effort is supported by the following organizations (in alphabetical order): 

•Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Arizona 

•Chinese United Association of Greater Phoenix

 •United Chinese Americans of Arizona 

 •United Chinese Association of Arizona 

 💝 Why It Matters 

• Acknowledging Service:  Police and fire departments play a crucial role in Arizona's safety and development. Their work has contributed to Phoenix becoming one of the six fastest-growing economic hubs in the U.S., attracting investment and innovation. 

• Celebrating Heritage:  May marks Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a time to honor the cultural contributions of these communities. Food for Love uses food as a bridge for connection, compassion, and cultural pride. 

•Uniting Community: By delivering meals to first responders, the Chinese American community joins hands in a shared spirit of gratitude, unity, and service. 

 “Every bite delivers a message of thanks and unity.” Let's come together to turn food into a symbol of love, respect, and community strength.  We invite you to join us in making a difference—one lunch box at a time. 

Sponsored by (in alphabetical order): 

Contemporary Chinese School of Arizona, 

Dragon Bowl, 

Everite Wholesale Inc, 

Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 

Kitchen 7, 

Lin's Grand Buffet, 

Phoenix Palace Restaurant, 

Red Wok Buffet 

and St. Vincent de Paul.