When food insecurity disrupts daily life, stability can feel out of reach. For many families across our Valley, access to nutritious food is not guaranteed – especially amid rising costs and ongoing challenges within federal nutrition programs.
For Chelli, that reality was all too familiar.
Chelli, her husband, and her young child moved from California to Arizona in search of stability and better opportunity.
Coming here, though, meant that both Chelli and her husband left behind the lives they had known forever. When they arrived, they were both unemployed, alone, and unable to put food on the table.
“It was the most difficult point in my life,” Chelli said. “Having no access to food, not knowing where your next meal is coming from, I wish that upon no one.”
Determined to care for her child, Chelli searched tirelessly for help. Simply providing milk for her baby became a daily concern. It was during this search that she noticed neighbors coming in and out of FrescaZona – one of Valley of the Sun United Way’s partner locations providing food distributions and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) support.
FrescaZona is operated by the Creighton Community Foundation. Through Valley of the Sun United Way’s SNAP Into Action initiative, launched as an immediate response to the federal suspension of SNAP benefits, Creighton Community Foundation was identified and continues to serve as a key partner to help respond to urgent food needs in the community – ensuring families wouldn’t fall through the cracks when demand surged and resources were strained.
“Here at Creighton Community Foundation, we provide personalized support, healthcare supplies, and access to fresh, locally grown food,” said Adriana Medina, a community health worker at FrescaZona. “Agencies like Valley of the Sun United Way help us strengthen our community. We even provide educational classes on food and nutrition – which is so important to truly walk alongside families as they work toward stability.”
Through SNAP Into Action, Valley of the Sun United Way mobilizes donor support, partnerships, and data-driven strategies to reinforce the local leading efforts, by trusting nonprofits like Creighton to expand their capacity and respond quickly to community needs.
That collective impact is reflected in Chelli’s experience.
Although nervous, Chelli walked into FrescaZona, letting her guard down, and asking for immediate food assistance. The staff at FrescaZona were quickly able to provide her food staples, as well as inform her about their array of services available.
Not only was Chelli met with immediate food support, but she also began regularly attending their educational programming. Through 1:1 mentoring and care, Chelli was able to gain confidence and skills in key areas like nutrition, budgeting, and financial literacy – helping her make healthier choices, stretch her food budget, and pursue her career.
“There are so many families whose health is affected by food insecurity,” Chelli shared. “Without food, I couldn’t even begin to look for a job. It’s the most essential thing.”
Now, with the support of Valley of the Sun United Way and the Creighton Community Foundation, Chelli has been able to secure a job, taking yet another stressor off her family, and allowing her to provide crucial stability for her child.
“Everything Valley of the Sun United Way provides is so beyond important,” Chelli said, smiling. “The resources, the donations of food, all of it. The essential support you provided my family – I mean now I’m empowered to pursue my dreams.”
Chelli is quick to express her gratitude to the donors and the Valley of the Sun United Way community whose generosity made this support possible. Because of that collective investment, she was able to access not only nutritious food, but also guidance, education, and encouragement during a critical moment in her life.
That impact is made possible through strong partnerships. Organizations like Creighton Community Foundation can meet families where they are – and respond quickly to urgent needs – because of Valley of the Sun United Way’s leadership in strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem and investing in programs that build stability.
“Because of your support, our work is possible,” Adriana added. “I witness it every day, working with our recipients. I can’t describe it in any other way than life changing. When we support one individual, it has a ripple effect. That goes miles in strengthening our community.”
Get Involved: SNAP Into Action
By identifying urgent gaps in SNAP support, we recognize that food insecurity is impacting thousands of individuals – and it demands immediate, collective action.
In supporting SNAP Into Action, you can help strengthen food access, invest in trusted local partners, and ensure families like Chelli’s have the resources they need to thrive.
To learn more, and get involved today, visit vsuw.org/snapsupport.
