AZ Central: With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits on hold, Arizona food banks are stepping up to fill the gap for residents who may struggle to afford groceries in the days ahead.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is suspending SNAP benefits starting in November. In Arizona, SNAP is known as Nutrition Assistance.
The SNAP suspension — a result of the federal government shutdown — prevents the state from distributing benefits until federal funding is released.
Families can use any funds loaded onto their EBT cards before Nov. 1.
Food banks across the state say they are preparing for an influx of Arizonans seeking help as the shutdown drags on.
“We’re seeing SNAP recipients who are getting a little nervous,” said Milt Liu, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Food Bank. “We’re working really hard to make sure that we have enough food so we don’t expect to turn anyone away.”
About 855,000 Arizonans — about one in nine residents — rely on SNAP for groceries, according to the Arizona Food Bank Network. Nearly half are children, with others including seniors, people with disabilities and working adults.
The suspension will affect more than 433,000 households statewide, who were notified by text and email on Oct. 23 that their benefits could be delayed.
“Food banks in Arizona are already dealing with unprecedented levels of need, and the disruption to SNAP means many more people will be accessing the emergency food network,” said Terri Shoemaker, executive vice president of the Arizona Food Bank Network.
Liu said St. Mary’s — the state’s largest food distribution center — is preparing for a surge in demand. The organization supports more than 700 partner agencies across nine counties and serves about 50,000 visitors per week.
People in need of food assistance can visit stmarysfoodbank.org, where an interactive “Find Food Near Me” button lets users search by ZIP code to find nearby food pantries and partner agencies.
Arizonans can also find statewide resources through the Arizona Food Bank Network, which lists hundreds of emergency food providers across the state, and by calling 2-1-1 Arizona for real-time help.
Where to find food in Arizona
Below are several locations across Maricopa County that provide free groceries and meals. Most food-distribution sites ask for a photo ID and proof of current address or residency in the service area but may assist even if you don’t have documentation. Be sure to check the rules for your local pantry.
St. Mary’s Food Bank
- Website: https://www.stmarysfoodbank.org/
- Phone: 602-242-3663
- Locations and hours:
- Phoenix Neighborhood Food Center3131 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017 Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Surprise Neighborhood Food Center 13050 W. Elm St., Surprise, AZ 85378 Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Chinle Neighborhood Food Center Our Lady of Fatima Church, Highway 7, Chinle, AZ 86503Open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.
United Food Bank
- Website: unitedfoodbank.org
- Phone: 480-926-4897
- Service areas: United Food Bank focuses on the East Valley and communities in Pinal, Apache, Navajo and Gila counties. The organization has an interactive map to find its 120-plus food pantry, mobile market and meal site partners: https://unitedfoodbank.org/findfood/.
- Pinal County: Mobile food distribution from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. (or until food runs out), on Friday, Nov. 7, at Christ the Victor Lutheran Church at 6173 E Arizona Farms Road, in Florence.
East Mesa Food Bank
- Website: https://azfoodbanks.org/maps/east-mesa-food-bank/
- Phone: 480-989-9827
- Location: 752 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, AZ 85208
- Hours: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Honor Health Desert Mission Food Bank
- Website: https://www.desertmission.com/food-bank/
- Phone: 602-870-6062
- Location: 9229 N. Fourth St., Phoenix, AZ 85020
- Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Phoenix Rescue Mission Hope for Hunger Food Bank
- Website: https://phoenixrescuemission.org/hope-for-hunger/
- Phone: 602-773-4344
- Location: 5605 N. 55th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301
- Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Foothills Food Bank
- Website: https://foothillsfoodbank.com/
- Service areas: Foothills Food Bank has locations in Cave Creek, Black Canyon City, New River and Anthem. Hours vary and may require reservations at the Cave Creek location. Call 480-488-1145 or visit the organization’s website for more information.
Valley View Community Food Bank
- Website: https://feedingaz.org/
- Phone: 623-240-0505
- Location: 10733 W. Peoria Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351
- Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.