Kristina Thomas has spent nearly 25 years combating hunger and food insecurity as a leader at Colorado's Community Food Share [1].
This long-term perspective highlights a critical shift in public perception regarding social services. While the social barriers to seeking help have decreased, the underlying economic drivers of hunger remain a persistent challenge for residents across the state.
Thomas serves as the director of communications and public relations for Community Food Share, a statewide food bank network. Her career in the fight against hunger began in 2003 [2]. Over the two decades since, she has observed a gradual change in how the public views food assistance.
According to Thomas, the stigma previously associated with receiving food aid has faded. In the past, individuals may have hesitated to seek help due to social shame or perceived judgment. That barrier has lessened, allowing more people to access necessary resources without the same level of hesitation.
However, the decrease in stigma has not led to a decrease in demand. Thomas said the need for food assistance remains high despite the shifting social climate. This suggests that while the community is more accepting of food insecurity, the systemic causes of hunger, such as inflation, housing costs, and wage stagnation, continue to drive people toward food banks.
Community Food Share operates as a central hub to distribute food to various agencies across Colorado. By reducing the stigma of aid, the organization can more effectively reach vulnerable populations who might have otherwise suffered in silence. The ongoing high demand underscores the necessity of a robust food bank infrastructure to prevent widespread hunger in the U.S. Southwest.
“The stigma around receiving food assistance has faded but the need hasn't.”
The disconnect between reduced social stigma and stagnant hunger rates indicates that food insecurity is increasingly viewed as a systemic economic failure rather than a personal moral failure. As the psychological barrier to entry drops, food banks may see higher utilization rates, putting further pressure on supply chains and donor networks to meet a demand that persists regardless of social acceptance.
