Why Hunger Action Month Matters: Christopher’s Story

Growing up in Missouri, Christopher understood early on that food wasn’t just something you ate, but a way of life.

“We don’t do a frozen pizza. We don’t do frozen burritos. We don’t do frozen pot pies,” explained Christopher. “We take ingredients, we chop, we slice, we sauté, we broil, and we cook.”

In Christopher’s family, the kitchen was the heart of the home, where every meal was made from scratch and served with love. His favorite memories involve cooking smoked ribs and four-cheese mac and cheese with his family. These dishes always brought everyone together. So, when Christopher moved away, he prioritized carrying these traditions and recipes, using food to build new connections and friendships wherever he went.

About a decade ago, Christopher uprooted his life to move to sunny Arizona to escape the cold and to pursue new opportunities. After settling in Arizona, he studied theater and earned a master’s degree in Family and Human Development. But life wasn’t easy. Christopher struggled to find consistent employment for the first several years living in Arizona, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, he managed to get by.

However, the past several years have brought a series of setbacks, pushing Christopher further away from financial security. Most devastatingly, in February 2024, Christopher lost his mother. She was one of his biggest cheerleaders and sources of encouragement. At the same time, his place of employment filed for bankruptcy, leaving him with little time to find a new job while he was mourning.

Knowing that he was struggling, Christopher’s aunt and his mother, before she passed, spent much time coaxing him to seek a food pantry in his area. He often resisted due to the stigma usually associated with asking for help.  

“I just kept thinking to myself, ‘I can do without food,’ and I would go a full month without anything in my refrigerator,” admitted Christopher.

However, after many months of trying to manage independently, he had an “epiphany.” He decided he was tired of being hungry. He picked up the phone and called United Food Bank. But getting to a food pantry was nearly impossible without a working car. Fortunately, thanks to a previous encounter with some United Food Bank volunteers, Christopher received groceries from United Food Bank’s Neighbor’s Pantry program, which was delivered directly to his apartment in Phoenix through a proxy.

For someone who grew up believing food is love and what brought people together, receiving that first food delivery was life-changing. It reminded Christopher that he wasn’t alone and that it was okay to ask for help.

“Even though I like food, it’s a luxury,” explained Christopher.  “If I didn’t have [food stamps and the food bank], honestly, I would probably not be eating.”

Today, Christopher is in a much better place, no longer seeking food assistance. He currently works at a different fabric store. In his free time, he can focus on his true passion: designing and sewing clothes. He’s working toward launching a business selling his handmade clothes online and at farmers’ markets. This new opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the support he received from United Food Bank.

“Sometimes life can seemingly get the best of you,” he said. “So, when you have resources like the food bank, it really helps you propel to the next challenge and chapter.”

By sharing his story, Christopher wants people to know that asking for help doesn’t make you weak or a bad person. Everyone hits rough patches, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.  

“Receiving assistance in any way is not a bad thing. It’s not a reflection of your character or of who you are. It’s simply a resource if you need it, and when you don’t need it, don’t use it. But when you need it, use it, it’s there.”

Food is a necessity; it shouldn’t be a luxury. Yet, for thousands of Arizonans, gaining access to nutritious food can be a daily struggle. Stories like Christopher’s are powerful reminders of what Hunger Action Month is all about: raising awareness, reducing stigma and ensuring no one in our community goes hungry. 

You can help make that vision real. This September, join us in taking action during our special Hunger Action Month campaign. Whether you donate, volunteer or simply want to learn more about food insecurity in Arizona, visit us at feedaz.org.

You may have seen Christopher on Your Life Arizona with Arizona’s Family. Learn more about Christopher’s story down below.