PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Wednesday she is allocating $1.8 million to mitigate the potential suspension of federal food assistance funding due to the government shutdown.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture told states funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would run dry if the shutdown isn’t resolved by Saturday. Additionally, the Trump administration rejected the idea of using roughly $5 billion in contingency funds for SNAP into November, according to a Department of Agriculture memo that surfaced last week.
Nearly 900,000 Arizonans — 12% of the state’s population — receive SNAP benefits totaling approximately $150 million each month. About 40% of that goes toward feeding children.
“The state of Arizona does not have the money to backfill the disastrous decisions being made by Washington Republicans, but I am taking every action possible to mitigate the damage done to everyday people in our state,” Hobbs said in a press release.
Where is Arizona getting $1.8 million to mitigate possible SNAP suspension?
Hobbs said she will fill some of the gap by tapping into federal funds the state received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a COVID relief and recovery package from 2021.
Food banks across the state will receive $1.5 million of the remaining ARPA funds.
“Food banks are already serving an unprecedented number of more than 770,000 people each month, so the added support to serve even more Arizonans during this time is deeply needed and appreciated,” April Bradham, president and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network, said in the release.
Another $300,000 will go to the Food Bucks Now program, a new initiative through the Double Up Arizona network that provides SNAP households with $30 vouchers for fresh produce at participating farmers markets, mobile markets and community grocery stores.
“This allows for greater choice and flexibility for our families while also ensuring our small businesses and farmers don’t suffer as well,” Elyse Guidas, executive director of Activate Food Arizona, said in the release.
Hobbs’ announcement came a day after Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit to prevent the Trump administration from suspending SNAP benefits.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
If you are dealing with food insecurity or want to help those who are, the Arizona Food Bank Network website has a list of available resources, including a database of food banks, pantries and soup kitchens that serve people in need and accept donations. Additionally, donations can be made by texting “FOOD” to 620620.
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