‘Twas the week before the holidays, and all across the Mesa Convention Center, volunteers worked with passion, united in ensuring no table would be left empty this holiday season.
On December 17, United Food Bank hosted its annual Holiday Distribution event at the Mesa Convention Center. Baxter and volunteers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, IES Communications, Verizon and Boeing all came together with open hearts and hands ready to work. Between the pallets of food, festive music filling the air and the bustling energy of volunteers filling up cars, the Mesa Convention Center resembled Santa’s Workshop more than a food bank distribution.
In just about four hours, through the collective efforts of volunteers, United Food Bank was able to serve 1,603 households and 6,542 individuals a holiday meal. This is an increase from last year’s numbers, where 1,345 households were served.
The need was evident long before the final numbers were known. For many of our neighbors, they went great lengths to receive food. At 2:15 a.m., the first neighbor arrived at the Convention Center, staking a spot in line hours before sunrise to ensure they were in front of the line. And for some people, they traveled more than an hour to get to the distribution to ensure they could gather the holiday essentials, including ham, potatoes and fresh produce. Stories like these highlight the need across Arizona.
Among the many neighbors served at this distribution was Diane, a passionate grandmother and great-grandmother who has spent most of her life helping others. For most of her career, she worked at a mental health rehabilitation center, where she focused on assisting individuals to overcome physical and psychological barriers. Often, she would work with unhoused individuals to help them find jobs and get back on their feet. For Diane, her job was something she loved and fulfilled her.
“It really showed me a lot of gratitude in a lot of ways,” Diane shared. “You know, once you help someone who really has suffered, it makes you feel a little different inside.”
About five years ago, Diane decided to move from Washington to Arizona to escape the cold temperatures for health reasons and to enjoy her retirement years. Now living on a fixed income, Diane is realizing that the money she worked for her whole life and carefully set aside for retirement isn’t stretching as far as she planned, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. So, when Diane’s landlord raised her rent significantly, it has become nearly impossible to pay her bills.
“I’ve worked all my life to buy my home and to be able to retire and die like you’re supposed to and not be suffering and worried about how you can feed yourself or pay your bills or live in your home,” shared Diane.
Once someone who dedicated her life to helping others, Diane now finds herself on the other side, needing the support.
“It’s humbling in a sense. I’ve always been the giver, and here I’m a taker,” shared Diane with tears in her eyes. “It’s a real struggle mentally, but I know I have to do what’s best for myself.”
Diane first sought out help from United Food Bank at the Thanksgiving Distribution. She remarked that the food she received was nothing short of a “godsend.” For the December distribution, Diane arrived in front of the line at 4:30 a.m., nearly five hours before the distribution was scheduled to start. For her, the impact of United Food Bank goes beyond just a meal; it brings her comfort and stability.
“I might be homeless in a while, but I know I always have food to come and get. I’ll never go hungry again,” shared Diane.
Now with the extra help and food she received, Diane can focus on making holiday memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, rather than stressing about her next meal.
For many of our neighbors, like Diane, 2025 has been a challenging year marked by uncertainty. As we bid farewell to 2025, we would like to extend our gratitude to all those who have supported United Food Bank in any way this year. Your support doesn’t just help feed our neighbors during the holidays, but throughout the year.
Happy Holidays and New Year’s to all, and to all a good night!
Communications and Grants Specialist
Email: ifleck@unitedfoodbank.org
