The Arizona National Guard is stepping up its efforts to ensure the food supply can meet the extraordinary demand during the Coronavirus outbreak.
A few dozen soldiers packed bags of food Thursday at food banks in Mesa and Tucson, and others prepared to move goods between warehouses and grocery stores.
The mission comes as state health officials say there is now widespread community spread of the virus from person to person in Arizona.
The number of known cases of COVID-19 rose to 508 statewide with eight dead.
All but Gila and Greenlee counties now have known cases and are subject to business restrictions imposed by Governor Doug Ducey in areas with cases reported.
