Over the years, Buck has consistently turned to one activity to cope with his feelings of loss, disappointment, and stress: culinary arts. After his relationship with Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) fizzled out, Buck turned to baking. Everyone from Eddie Diaz (Ryan Guzman) to Maddie Han (Jennifer Love Hewitt) commented on the excessive amount of baked goods Buck was making. Aside from Buck’s romantic partners in 9-1-1, he also uses the kitchen to de-stress from professional responsibilities and personal conflicts. After moving into Eddie’s house following his best friend’s move to Texas, Buck is seen creating complicated meals in the kitchen. Buck even commandeers Maddie’s kitchen to stress bake in 9-1-1 season 8, episode 11.
If you’ve ever watched 9-1-1, you know Evan “Buck” Buckley is the kind of guy who jumps into danger headfirst — literally. But when the emergencies settle, and the chaos fades, what’s his quiet escape? Food. Yep, food has become Buck’s emotional blanket, and the show’s been sneakily layering this for seasons. This isn’t just about craving donuts or grabbing a burger; it’s a coping mechanism — and it tells us way more about Buck than we might think. Let’s dive into the emotional buffet that is Buck’s relationship with food and see why 9-1-1 fans are suddenly rewatching scenes with new eyes.
Buck and Food – A Comfort Combo We Didn’t See Coming
Not Just a Gag — Food as Character Development
It’s easy to brush off Buck’s food moments as comic relief or quirky character traits. But think again. Every bite, munch, or snack run says something deeper — something raw and unspoken. Food is Buck’s armor.
The First Signs — Early Clues from Season 1
Even in the early episodes, we see Buck turning to food when things feel out of control. After emotionally intense calls or personal disappointments, he often ends up eating — not out of hunger, but out of need. It’s his way of regaining control when life throws chaos his way.
The Psychology of Eating Your Feelings
Emotional Eating 101 — What It Really Means
Emotional eating isn’t just grabbing a pint of ice cream during a breakup. It’s a reflex — a subconscious attempt to soothe anxiety, fear, or grief. For Buck, who’s dealt with abandonment, identity issues, and near-death experiences, food fills an emotional void.
Why Buck’s Use of Food Makes Total Sense
Buck’s always trying to “fix” something — whether it’s people, relationships, or himself. But when he can’t, food steps in as a substitute comfort. It gives him what people often don’t: consistency, control, and temporary peace.
Buck’s Trauma Menu — What’s He Really Trying to Digest?
The Weight of Childhood Abandonment
Remember the devastating reveal that Buck was a “savior baby”? That emotional bombshell didn’t just shake him — it dismantled his identity. Food becomes a grounding force, something he can choose, something he owns.
Surviving the Job, One Snack at a Time
From explosions to rescues, Buck’s job is emotionally grueling. It’s no surprise he’s constantly munching after calls. That bite of food becomes a barrier between the horrors he witnesses and the emotions he doesn’t want to feel.
When the Team Becomes Family — And the Kitchen Becomes a Safe Space
Firehouse 118 isn’t just his workplace — it’s his chosen family. And like any family, their bonding often revolves around food. For Buck, sharing meals becomes symbolic of belonging, something he’s always craved.
Iconic Food Moments That Reveal Buck’s Inner World
Pizza Night Meltdowns and Emotional Slices
There have been multiple episodes where Buck engages in emotional confessions — over pizza. Coincidence? Doubtful. Pizza is easy, familiar, and comforting — a perfect backdrop for vulnerability.
Donuts and Denial — A Sweet Distraction
Donuts appear more than once in scenes where Buck is emotionally closed off. A sugar rush, maybe. But more likely? A sugary shield.
Post-Call Snacks — The “I’m Fine” Routine
When Buck grabs a snack right after a traumatic call, it’s his way of saying “I’ve got this,” even when he doesn’t. That bag of chips or soda isn’t random — it’s a ritual.
How 9-1-1 Creators Used Food As Symbolic Language
Visual Storytelling Without Words
Rather than having Buck vocalize his trauma all the time, the show often lets food do the talking. A silent bite. A lingering glance at the fridge. It’s intentional — and brilliant.
The Kitchen Is His Safe Haven
Notice how often Buck ends up in the kitchen when life spirals? It’s not just about grabbing food. It’s about being somewhere he can breathe, away from emotional crossfire.
Comfort Food as a Narrative Thread
The recurrence of comfort foods — mac & cheese, burgers, fries — aren’t randomly chosen. They’re nostalgic, grounding, and tell us Buck wants simplicity in a complicated world.
Fan Theories — What They Say About Buck’s Bites
TikTok & Reddit Are Onto Something
Fans have pieced together Buck’s eating patterns across episodes and seasons, creating emotional timelines that link his trauma to food. One Reddit thread even called it: “Every time Buck grabs a snack, he’s mentally spiraling.”
Could Future Storylines Explore This More?
It’s possible. Given the subtle groundwork already laid, a storyline addressing Buck’s emotional eating habits could pack a powerful punch — and give even deeper insight into his mental health journey.
Real Talk — Why Buck’s Coping Strategy Matters
Humanizing the Hero
It’s easy to see Buck as a daredevil with no fear. But his relationship with food shows his human side — the part that gets overwhelmed, that breaks, that seeks comfort. And that makes him real.
Opening Conversations Around Men and Mental Health
Men turning to food for comfort isn’t often shown in mainstream media. Buck’s portrayal subtly challenges that and opens the door for more honest depictions of male vulnerability.
Conclusion: Buck’s Bites Are Telling a Bigger Story
So, the next time Buck grabs a burger, or sneaks a snack from the firehouse kitchen, pay attention — he’s not just hungry. He’s communicating in the only way he sometimes knows how: through food. It’s his emotional Morse code. And 9-1-1? They’ve been spelling it out for us all along — bite by bite.
