Finding Strength in Vulnerability: Lessons from Stories of Food Insecurity

Sometimes, the most impactful conversations come from the moments when people allow themselves to be fully seen—scars and all. That’s what stood out most to me during a recent conversation with Chris and Elaine. Their openness about their journey, including their experience with food insecurity, was humbling and deeply relatable.

The Shame Around Food Insecurity

Chris shared a story that stopped me in my tracks. He talked about standing in a food line during a tough season in their lives—a moment filled with shame, vulnerability, and questions. He described the painful process of feeling judged, as though every step in that line came with an unspoken “why are you here?” or “how did you end up in this position?” His transparency was powerful. It’s not easy to revisit moments like that, much less share them publicly. But in doing so, Chris gave others permission to see themselves in his story.

Food insecurity is an issue that often hides in plain sight. It doesn’t always look like the images we see in campaigns or news stories. Sometimes, it looks like a hardworking family making tough choices about what they can afford that week. Sometimes, it looks like someone with a successful past grappling with how they’ll feed their kids today. Chris and Elaine’s story reminded me how quickly life can shift—and how often we don’t recognize the bravery it takes to ask for help.

Hearing their story made me reflect on how leadership and resilience are forged in these humbling moments. It’s not the success we achieve that defines us; it’s what we learn when we’re at our lowest. Chris and Elaine didn’t shy away from the difficult parts of their journey. Instead, they’ve used those experiences to grow stronger and to connect with others in meaningful ways.

On Going Through Hard Seasons

As entrepreneurs, Carli and I have faced our own moments of doubt and challenge—times when it felt like we were stepping out into a wilderness without a map. But Chris and Elaine’s story reminded me of a key truth: the hardest seasons often produce the most growth. Their willingness to revisit those vulnerable moments, like standing in that food line, creates a space for others to see that they’re not alone.

Food insecurity can feel isolating, but it’s an issue that touches more people than we realize. The stigma surrounding it makes it even harder to discuss. That’s why stories like Chris and Elaine’s are so important. They shed light on the reality that needing help doesn’t define your worth—it’s how you respond and grow from those challenges that matters.

What I admire most about Chris and Elaine is how they’ve turned their scars into a source of strength. They’ve come through their struggles with a desire to share, to support, and to pass the baton of hope to others. That kind of vulnerability takes courage, and it’s the kind of bravery that changes lives.

For those of us who are blessed to be on the other side of such struggles, there’s a responsibility to remember those moments. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, giving generously, or simply being open about our own humbling experiences, we all have the ability to impact someone else’s story.

Chris and Elaine reminded me that the stories we share—especially the hard ones—can be a lifeline for someone else. They can show a pathway forward, illuminate the courage it takes to ask for help, and remind us all that our value isn’t determined by the circumstances we face but by how we rise from them.

Listen to the Full Conversation

If there’s one thing I took away from our conversation, it’s this: food insecurity isn’t just about food; it’s about dignity, courage, and community. And by sharing our stories, we can build a world where no one feels alone in their journey.