Food insecurity has surged in the U.S., reaching its highest level since 2014. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 in 5 children and 1 in 7 individuals do not know where their next meal will come from. This is contributed by increased costs of food due to inflation and the end of pandemic-related funding. Valley of the Sun United Way is leading efforts with a variety of community partners to address these challenges, the root causes of food insecurity, and ultimately, to support the development of healthy communities.

The power of collaboration

Addressing food insecurity requires collaboration with community partners in meeting immediate needs, while developing long-term solutions. Valley of the Sun United Way works closely with organizations like United Food Bank to gain a better understanding of the most urgent and underlying needs of the community. This year, Valley of the Sun United Way was recognized for joining United Food Bank's Million Meals Club, an honor that celebrates the two nonprofits’ 40-year partnership in distributing over one million meals to communities across Maricopa County.

But food banks alone cannot reduce food insecurity. In addition to funding, volunteerism plays a crucial role in the success of local food banks and pantries. Critical partners to food banks, food pantries are supplemental resource sites creating a comprehensive approach to reducing food insecurity. By ensuring both food banks and food pantries have the volunteers needed to operate at full capacity, individuals and families have wider access to the resources they need.

For example, Valley of the Sun United Way organizes food-packing events with organizations like Creighton Community Foundation, who not only focus on food insecurity, but the larger issue of family stability and engagement. These service opportunities are not only a fun way to bond with friends, family, co-workers and other members of the community, but also provides critical support for these nonprofits and the communities we serve.

Supporting the emergency food system

Emergency food boxes are just one of the solutions available to those facing food insecurity. Pantry Packs are an additional resource provided to Title 1 schools to support students who do not have access to breakfast. This program also provides shelf-stable food items for students to take home to their families as they are likely coming from homes without an adequate supply of food.

To offer a comprehensive approach to food insecurity, it is important to ensure individuals are aware of assistance programs that they may be eligible for. One critical program to address food insecurity is the USDA’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, more commonly referred to as SNAP, which provides funds to supplement grocery costs for income-eligible families.

In partnership with Chicanos Por la Causa, Valley of the Sun United Way created Mighty Families, a program designed to ensure community resource navigators are available to help families identify and access programs and resources, complete the necessary paperwork, while providing wrap-around support and services.

Currently, only 77% of eligible participants are enrolled in the SNAP program in Arizona, compared to the national average of 82%. Through Mighty Families and alongside other community partners like the World Hunger Ecumenical Arizona Task Force, or WHEAT, Valley of the Sun United Way is dedicated to increasing participation among eligible families to match or exceed the national average.

Health education is key

Hunger isn’t the only symptom of food insecurity. People who depend on emergency food have an increased risk for both diabetes and hypertension. In fact, individuals who face food insecurity are up to three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and 20% more likely to contract hypertension according to the National Institutes of Health. Addressing food insecurity effectively requires more than providing food—it calls for comprehensive educational resources to teach individuals how to make healthy, nutritious choices.

One way Valley of the Sun United Way is working to increase health education is through the nonprofit’s collaboration with Unlimited Potential, an organization that delivers health education in various community settings, including health fairs and through integrative community therapy. Integrated community therapy involves structured group sessions where participants can share their experiences, emotions and insights, fostering mutual support and building resilience. In this community setting, participants learn from and educate each other.

Through these efforts, Valley of the Sun United Way is not only supporting the emergency food system, but directly addressing the root causes of food insecurity. To learn more about the many ways people or companies can help with food insecurity and other health initiatives, visit www.vsuw.org.

Gilbert Arvizu is the community development and engagement director for health at Valley of the Sun United Way. Discover how Valley of the Sun United Way is creating Mighty Change across Maricopa County and how you can get involved at www.vsuw.org.