Arizona Matters: Food inSECURITY

Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m.

Food insecurity impacts 1 in 7 people in Arizona. Inflation, supply challenges and geographic and economic barriers are all factors for why millions in the U.S. struggle with access to healthy, affordable food.

In this “Arizona Matters” special, host Catherine Anaya talks with community leaders, food bank representatives and those in need of food assistance to explore potential solutions to this complex issue in our state.

Joining her in this thoughtful discussion are Shannon Clancy, CEO of St. Vincent de Paul, April Bradham, CEO and President of Arizona Food Bank, Arizona WIC Director Marlene Hernandez and Ginger Sykes Torres, Vice President of Resiliency Programs for Local First Arizona.

Watch “Arizona Matters: Food inSECURITY” on air at 7 p.m. on March 31, 2026, or stream this special on the PBS App starting on the night of its broadcast.

Shannon Clancy

Shannon Clancy is the first woman CEO at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix, which feeds, clothes, houses and heals Arizonans in need while offering others a chance to serve. She leads 375 employees, who together with volunteers operate a network of food pantries, charity dining rooms, urban farms, shelters, family services and a charity health clinic. Clancy has devoted her 30+ year career to working for nonprofit organizations that serve individuals and families in need.

 

April Bradham

April Bradham has been the President and CEO of Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN ) since early 2023, previously leading the organization’s program and operation teams for 8 years. Throughout Bradham’s time at AzFBN, she has led and supported the organization’s significant expansion in food rescue, community outreach and advocacy. Bradham came to AzFBN with more than 12 years of operations and business leadership experience in a variety of industries.

 

Marlene Hernandez

Marlene Hernandez’s public health career began in 2006 with the Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, serving as a High-Risk Dietitian at local WIC offices in the Phoenix area. Now the Arizona WIC Director, Hernandez has been with the Arizona Department of Health Services since 2010, supporting the WIC Program in various capacities, including working on the Program Integrity Team and serving as the Chief of the Office of WIC Nutrition, Breastfeeding and Training Services. She is currently serving as the Chief of the Bureau of Nutrition and Physical Activity.

 

Ginger Sykes Torres

Ginger Sykes Torres is Vice President of Resiliency Programs at Local First Arizona, leading initiatives that strengthen food systems and support tribal, rural and urban communities across Arizona. Her work helps expand access to locally grown and desert adapted food, build climate resilience and expand economic opportunity for small- and medium-sized farmers, ranchers and producers. She previously served as State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, managing disaster assistance, conservation and agricultural lending programs.

 

Catherine Anaya

Leading the conversation will be Catherine Anaya, host of “Horizonte.” Anaya is a three-time Emmy® award-winning journalist and former television news anchor. She currently hosts “The Women’s Eye” podcast featuring empowering conversations with inspiring women. She also serves as a video host, emcee and speaker. In 2017, she was inducted into the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences nationally recognized Silver Circle, for more than 25 years of broadcast excellence and contributions to the community.

For more resources and information, please visit:

St. Vincent de Paul

Arizona Food Bank Network

Arizona WIC Program

Local First Arizona