Michael A. Chihak: Hunger in Tucson getting worse

Too many Tucson children and adults worry about having enough to eat.

“I’m retired, and I’m not getting enough money (in Social Security). It barely covers expenses, so I need the food bank,” said a man named George, 75, speaking Thursday in the parking lot of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Heartbreak is the feeling that arose upon hearing that. Right behind it was anger at such a situation in the richest country on Earth and disgust at a lack of societal will to make change.

George is not alone. MAP Arizona, a University of Arizona initiative tracking economic, health and education data, estimated 120,000 people in metro Tucson were food insecure in late 2024. Inflation and other economics exacerbated it last year.

“We have definitely seen an increase in numbers over the past year,” said Chris Firmage, the food bank’s public relations manager. “It’s safe to say that it is worsening.”

Fourteen percent more individuals and families got food bank help last year than in 2024, Firmage said. At the same time, the agency received 500,000 pounds of food from corporate and private donors and registered a nearly 33% increase in new donors during last fall’s federal government shutdown.

Why do we need the food bank? Because estimates are that more than half of Tucsonans live paycheck to paycheck, and the poverty rate is 18%, several points higher than state and national rates. Up to one-quarter of Tucson area children live in poverty, according to MAP Arizona.

Here’s where the disgust rears up: Some politicians say poor people are to blame for their situations, as outlandish as it is mean-spirited. We won’t name those who make that claim, but here’s a hint: many are GOP officeholders.

Arizona has a torturous application process for food assistance, including proof of need. Many don’t qualify, although their incomes are barely above poverty standards. Those wanting public money so their children can attend private school get it with no proof of need, courtesy of those you’re-to-blame-for-your-poverty politicians.

“We don’t get food stamps because our income is just over the limit. We have five in our house, so we come here to supplement,” said Tatiana, 30, a working mother of three who was at the food bank with her infant.

She and others can get a three- to four-day supply of nutritional items once a month and other pantry items when they visit again within the month.

That suits Fawn, 52, who with her working husband is rearing their grandchildren, ages 5, 3 and 1. “This supplements our food budget,” she said, pointing to a grocery basket filled with fresh fruit, bread, pasta and other staples. “We are thankful for the healthy food options.”

The food bank and other nonprofit food programs in the metro area help such families stave off food insecurity. Many likely don’t qualify for the federal-state Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program so they need a little help.

“We’re not making enough money, so we need this,” said an 18-year-old as he departed the food bank. “I have a job, but it’s not enough.”

If you have enough to eat, donate to the food bank or another community pantry. Then, vote for politicians who recognize poverty’s reality and who will enact economic and safety-net policies that reduce hunger.

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CORRECTION: In my Dec. 28 column, I erred in writing the first name of University of Arizona football coach Brent Brennan. Mea culpa.