Rising Demand: How Federal Food Stamp Cuts Are Impacting Arizona Food Banks

Upcoming changes to food assistance programs are raising concerns in Arizona. Starting in 2028, new regulations will push some costs from the federal government to states. This shift will affect programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps many individuals and families in need.

Recently, legislation backed by President Trump increased the state’s share of administrative costs from 50% to 75%. Analysts at the Arizona Legislature estimate this change will cost the state about $33 million next year. If Arizona’s error rate—the accuracy of eligibility assessments—remains at its current level of 8.8%, the state could face costs of $139 million in 2028 and up to $185 million in 2029.

Governor Katie Hobbs has expressed her concerns about these cuts, stating that the state may struggle to fill the financial gaps left by federal changes. She emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “We are going to rely more and more on community partners like the St. Mary’s Food Bank.”

Food banks in Arizona, like St. Mary’s, already help countless people who don’t qualify for federal assistance. Terri Shoemaker of the Arizona Food Bank Network noted that about 700,000 people seek food assistance each month. With federal eligibility changes, this number could rise sharply, increasing the demand on food banks.

New work requirements for SNAP may also pose challenges. Estimates suggest that up to 2.4 million Americans might lose their benefits due to these stricter rules.

To address these potential increases in demand, food banks are looking for ways to work together more effectively. By pooling resources and making bulk purchases, they hope to reduce costs and better serve their communities. Shoemaker mentioned, “If we have 50 food banks purchasing, it’s probably going to be cheaper than if we have just one.”

As these policy changes unfold, the landscape of food assistance will change significantly. The collaboration between food banks and local organizations will be crucial in ensuring that no one goes hungry.

For further details on the implications of these changes, you can visit NPR.

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