By Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation
Over four days recently, I did one thing. I drove from one rural food bank to another at churches, senior centers, tribal organizations, and warehouses, sometimes operated solely by volunteers, often on shoestring budgets.
I was there to distribute more than $250,000 from Arizona Community Foundation donors to help address the rising need for food assistance in rural communities, including a portion to Nalwoodhi Denzone Community in Gila County.
This trip was an important reminder: Those who are blessed financially must support our fellow Arizonans throughout the state, not just in Maricopa or Pima counties.
And we must be generous throughout the year, not just during the holidays.
This was truly an emotional journey.
I witnessed grandparents struggling to raise grandchildren on their own. Individuals who had lost jobs. People who had driven hours to get there.
The Arizona Food Bank Network estimates nearly 1 million Arizonans are at risk of hunger, an increase of as much as 20% in the past year. Nine out of 10 counties with food insecurity are rural, according to Feeding America.
Dedicated volunteers bring hope
But I also felt energized, touched by the generosity of so many neighbors helping neighbors.
Changes in the funding landscape and the high cost of living have driven more and more people to food banks for the first time, organization leaders told us. And these community groups have stepped up with courage, ingenuity, and dedication to serve everyone who comes to them.
A gentleman I met in Apache County at the Old Concho Community Assistance Center is a perfect example.
For years, he has driven 90 minutes round-trip from his home outside the tiny town to volunteer at the food bank. Not long ago, he was badly injured after being hit by a car. He came back as soon as he could and now serves as the president of the organization’s board.
Some of the volunteers literally whistled while they worked; they were so happy to be there. We hugged, we shook hands, and I went away feeling a sense of hope after meeting them.
We must not forget our fellow Arizonans
As someone who grew up in Pinal County, I have always had a heart for rural Arizona.
As these amazing nonprofits work to ensure no one in their community goes hungry, many are concerned about the future.
While we were able to support nearly two dozen food banks, more funding is still needed.
That’s why we created a new fund that allows the Arizona Community Foundation to respond quickly to needs like these, providing critical funding to communities in times of crisis.
If you want to make a difference, consider giving to the Thriving Arizona Fund, where each dollar will be deployed where it matters most, or find a worthy nonprofit to volunteer your time.
My heart was full after giving to these food banks, and yours will be too.
