“Food Means Community”
United Food Bank has a growing list of partners and programs oriented toward increasing food security across Arizona. Leading an incredible team of agency capacity specialists is the new Director of Agency Network, Chris Bodnar. While Chris may be new to the role, he has been with the Agency Team for three years, dedicated to enhancing partner agency capabilities and expanding outreach efforts.
Chris’ journey into food banking stems from personal experiences with food insecurity and a deep-rooted desire to make a difference. “I know the struggle, and I’ve always wanted to help,” he shares. “Throughout high school, I volunteered my time through food banking, gleaning, and things like that. And if you’re not familiar with gleaning, it’s going out picking fruit from people’s trees, then donating that to United Food Bank.” His commitment to service continued into college, where he volunteered with United Food Bank through his job at Panera Bread, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. “I knew about United Food Bank then, but I didn’t quite understand it all.”
Upon graduating from college, Chris seized an opportunity with AmeriCorps VISTA, where he worked with the Arizona Food Bank Network, delving deeper into the intricacies of food banking and supporting agency partners in their overall capacity growth. His dedication and expertise led him to a position with United Food Bank, where he assumed roles vital to the organization’s mission.
At United Food Bank, Chris is pivotal in upholding the organization’s mission of uniting communities to end hunger. His proactive approach involves identifying service gaps, establishing strategic partnerships, and advocating for food security initiatives. Through his team’s efforts, Chris ensures that underserved communities receive vital resources while fostering a sense of dignity and empowerment.
“Once you see one food bank or food pantry, you’ve seen one food bank or one food pantry. Every single one of them is completely different. Everyone is doing something completely unique for their community and always tries to meet the needs versus just having this standardized ‘we’re just gonna give a food box out’. Every place meets the neighbors where they are.”
Chris’s commitment extends beyond the office, as he actively engages with agency partners and community members. Whether it’s visiting remote areas or collaborating with local organizations, Chris’s genuine enthusiasm and dedication shine through. “One of the things that makes it great is getting out and seeing the communities that we serve. You have fun. There are historic highways that you drive on and you meet all kinds of people. I think that’s my favorite part, I like to meet new people.” He embraces the diversity of each community, recognizing the unique challenges they face and tailoring support initiatives accordingly.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Chris finds joy and fulfillment in his role as a new father. Alongside his wife, they are nurturing a tradition of warmth and connection, marked by nightly readings and the anticipation of shared adventures through literature. “Right now we’re just going through the simple books like Doctor Seuss,” he says.” But I did already purchase The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings and all of the Harry Potter books.” As they embark on this journey of parenthood, Chris envisions instilling values of compassion, resilience, and a love for learning in their son.
Chris Bodnar’s unwavering commitment to expanding food security and fostering community resilience exemplifies the heart of United Food Bank’s mission. Through his journey from adversity to advocacy, Chris continues to make a profound impact, one community at a time.
Interested in impacting your own community? Check out our agency partnerships page here.
Written by KC Raguay
