Every evening at 5:00 PM, people gather outside Paz de Cristo Community Center on West Broadway Road in Mesa where they know they will receive a hot, nutritious meal. More than 50,000 meals are provided each month, – 9,000 of which are prepared and served in the dining room, making it the only organization in the East Valley that serves a hot, nutritious dinner every single night of the year.
September marks Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action. One in seven Arizonans struggled with hunger last year, transforming what should be a basic human need into an impossible choice between food and other necessities like medicine or utilities.
The people walking through Paz de Cristo Community Center’s doors represent the diverse face of hunger in Arizona. Veterans, seniors on fixed incomes, working families whose paychecks don’t stretch to cover both rent and groceries, and individuals experiencing homelessness all find nourishment and dignity at these tables. Last year, more than 12,250 unique individuals were served.
Paz de Cristo Community Center operates with a clear mission: Feed, Clothe and Empower. Fresh clothing, hot showers, and haircuts restore dignity and prepare people for job interviews. The Empowerment Programs offer resume writing assistance, interview coaching, and one-on-one support for job seekers and access to technology and assistance in applying for SNAP benefits. Staff members help clients obtain birth certificates and state identification cards—essential documents that serve as gateways to employment, housing and stability.
Maria, a grandmother caring for her disabled grandson, discovered Paz de Cristo Community Center when choosing between medication and groceries became a monthly reality. Through the food box program and evening meals, she could redirect her limited budget toward other essential needs. David, a veteran who lost his job, found not just meals but employment assistance that helped him secure stable work within three months.
This Hunger Action Month presents an opportunity for each of us to make a tangible difference. Volunteer opportunities include preparing and serving meals, sorting clothing donations, assisting with the shower program, facilitating life-skills classes or helping with the jobs program. Financial contributions allow Paz de Cristo Community Center to maintain its comprehensive services—every $10 donation provides 25 meals to families in need. Food donations help stock the emergency food boxes distributed daily.
The organization welcomes professional volunteers who can share expertise in financial literacy, as well as resume writing, interview skills, or job search strategies. Local businesses can partner by providing employment opportunities for program participants or hosting food drives.
This September, consider how you might contribute to this essential work. Whether through volunteering time, donating resources, or spreading awareness about hunger in our community, every action creates positive change. Together, we can ensure that nutritious food remains accessible to all our neighbors, allowing everyone the opportunity to thrive.
Jackie Shelley
424 W Broadway Rd
Mesa, AZ 85210
Mail: [email protected]
Office: 480-464-2370