Rising Demand at Arizona Food Banks: What You Need to Know as SNAP Benefits Freeze Approaches

Traffic is slow around St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix. On a recent Tuesday morning, there were more than 100 cars waiting to get food. Jerry Brown, the food bank’s spokesperson, noted that this isn’t typical, as they usually see long lines only during holidays.

As volunteers pack boxes of groceries into cars, Brown shares that demand for food aid has been rising. Over the last four years, the demand has increased by 10% annually. This trend is partly due to inflation and rising living costs, which hit families hard, especially seniors on fixed incomes.

Recently, the situation worsened. Many Arizona residents depend on SNAP benefits for groceries, but those funds are expected to pause starting November 1. This freeze is a result of a continuing federal government shutdown, causing more first-time visitors to food banks like St. Mary’s.

Cecilia Bencomo, a first-time visitor, expressed her worries. With her SNAP benefits ending, she isn’t sure how she will feed her children. “What am I going to do?” she asked.

In Arizona, 887,000 people rely on SNAP, which provides around $180 per person each month. Gov. Katie Hobbs stated that the state can’t fill the gap without federal support. Attorney General Kris Mayes is pursuing legal action to access a USDA fund meant for emergencies.

Brown mentioned that this month’s SNAP payouts totaled $155 million for Arizona residents. The food bank typically distributes 130 million pounds of food annually, but they are already facing shortages due to recent federal cuts. This year alone, they’re about 2 million pounds short.

St. Mary’s, like many food banks, relies on donations and is preparing for an increase in demand. Many families, like Michael Andrews, who waited an hour for assistance, are anxious about the future. He stated, “If I don’t get it, I’m going to be in a serious bad way.”

Experts agree that continuous financial instability can lead to long-lasting effects on food security. Research shows that food assistance programs are vital during tough economic times, helping families maintain their well-being.

As lines grow longer, the community stands ready to help, but the situation remains uncertain. The government needs to take action soon, as many families are waiting for the support they desperately need.



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