“It empowers.”
“It’s a basic need.”
“It’s a human right.”
What are we talking about? Something as simple as having enough food to eat.
In this, Hunger Action Month, we wanted to give you some insight into what draws people to work in a charity dedicated to the vision of a hunger free Arizona.
Choosing work at a hunger relief organization means that every day our staff thinks about hunger, as well as the connection that the work we do makes to someone struggling. The AzFBN team comes from diverse backgrounds for our shared goal: Food security for all, a society where no one has to worry about their next meal.
To dig a little deeper, we asked our team to respond to these questions: What does food security mean? And Why is this work important to you?
Here are a few of their responses:
“This work is important to me because I believe access to consistent, fresh, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food is a fundamental human right, and yet too often it is considered a privilege instead. At AzFBN, our team works together to address this issue holistically and equitably to ensure Arizona families experience this right to food security and can focus on building stronger and more resilient communities.” Laney Meeker, Community Programs Manager
“My passion for this work stems from seeing the reality of how much food goes to waste on a daily basis while knowing there are others who are suffering to put food on the table and go to bed hungry. I love my position with AzFBN because I get to help hunger-fighting organizations increase their impact through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. The best part of my job is meeting with these organizations, hearing their plans to make the world a better place for others, and then doing what I can to make that happen even if it’s in some small way. It is also always so inspiring to me to hear from the VISTAs themselves about the incredible work that they do to increase food security and the excitement they have for this work. I am so thankful to be part of an organization working to end hunger and truly help others.” – Erica Uhl, AmeriCorps Program Manager
“Food security comes with knowing you have a full fridge and pantry. It is about having enough healthy foods and having peace of mind that more food is available at a nearby farmers’ market, community garden, community center, grocery store, senior center or food pantry. It allows someone more freedom to enjoy special moments like birthdays and holidays. Food security empowers people to grow healthily and happily.” –Yohana Avina, Older Adult Programs Coordinator, VISTA
“In my position as Agency Training Coordinator at AzFBN, I take action against hunger by working with primarily rural agencies that have limited access to resources to collaborate on designing and implementing sustainable solutions to increase their capacity for improved operations and infrastructure. This is important to me because these agencies are critical to serving many vulnerable populations. I enjoy helping to empower food pantries by connecting them with resources and educational/professional development opportunities where innovative practices are shared because I believe anti-hunger efforts work best when solutions take into account the lived experience, input, and perspective of everyone at the table.” – Trinity Walsh, Agency Training Coordinator, VISTA
“No Borders, No Limits! This work is important to me because having quality, nutritious food is a basic human right and all that separates food that would otherwise go to waste from hungry people is the will and passion to do what’s right, and a lot of logistics!” – Dana Yost, Assistant Vice President, Supply Chain Operations
“I have a personal reason for serving as a VISTA with the Arizona Food Bank Network and for taking action against hunger. My early life was impacted by poverty and food insecurity. We ate lots of bologna and government cheese sandwiches and also received donations from a church. In elementary school, I was teased for being in the “free lunch line” and living in “Welfare Acres,” as my government housing was called. Life certainly improved in all ways for me as the years went on, and I was able to take advantage of some great opportunities, benefitting from mentors who helped me see my potential. I know that I have been very fortunate and have had some incredible experiences, beyond what I dreamed about as a child. Because I have been blessed in so many ways in my life, I feel it is my turn to give back to others. I am very proud that my work, in some small part, can help the Arizona Food Bank Network in the fight against poverty and hunger.” -Becca Poe, VISTA Leader
“This work is important to me because until everyone has enough food, the meaningful change we can make won’t last and won’t be enough. If we can get this right, there is so much more that we as a global community can do, together.” – Terri Shoemaker, Vice President of External Affairs
“Food is the most basic of needs, without it we cannot think of or work toward a better future. I believe kids -and all people deserve their best chance at life and that begins with access to healthy and consistent nourishment.” – Wendy De La Peña, Communications and Outreach Manager
“Food is a building block of life, cultures, and communities. By supporting food security, we make sure kids have the nutrients they need to grow, families have meals they can bond over, and communities have the energy they need to succeed.”- Tristan Kitch, Native American Programs Coordinator, VISTA
“This work is important to me because when I was a freshman in college, I visited a food pantry on my campus to help supplement the little food that I was able to afford with my part time work-study job. The food pantry provided me staples that I could rely on at times when I didn’t have enough money to afford food. Anyone can struggle with food insecurity, and it’s vital that we help those who are struggling, and hopefully prevent people from needing help with food in the future entirely.” – Tristan Brunetti, Development Manager
I fight hunger every day because I know I have helped someone solve a critical need. It’s rewarding but sometimes feels simplistic. I’ve learned through fighting hunger year after year that I – and so many others who do this work- are fighting something larger. Hunger is the result of policy decisions – the choices we have made as a society. If we really believe (and I really do!) that hunger in our communities is a choice, our job is clear: Help policymakers make better decisions so hunger is no longer something we tolerate in our neighborhoods, states, or country. – Angie Rodgers, President and CEO
For more on Hunger Action Month and ways to get involved, go to azfoodbanks.org/hunger-action-month.
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