How to help Arizona food banks during SNAP cuts
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Food banks are expected to bear the brunt of the SNAP benefit cutoff as hungry Arizonans turn to nonprofits for the assistance they typically get from the government.
Why it matters: Food banks are already facing increased demand because of escalating food, housing and utility costs, St. Mary's president and CEO Milt Liu told Axios.
State of play: St. Mary's has seen a 45% spike in demand for food services since 2020 and currently serves 50,000 meals per week.
- With nearly 1 million Arizonans expected to lose SNAP benefits next week, Liu said he expects visits will spike even more.
Yes, but: "No matter what happens in Washington, D.C., here in Arizona we're prepared to serve and take care of folks who need help," Liu said.
Zoom in: Here's how you can help:
🗣️ Spread the word
Make sure community members know where to find food by sharing this link, which compiles all donation sites in the state.
🥫 Host a food drive
Organize a donation drive for your neighborhood, church, school or other group.
- The most needed items are: Peanut butter, rice, beans, cereal, pasta and canned protein, vegetables, fruit and soup.
- St. Mary's and St. Vincent de Paul will provide donation boxes and pick up the items when the drive concludes.
💸 Monetary donations
Cash donations allow food banks to purchase the items they need, when they need them.
- HonorHealth's Desert Mission Food Bank, St. Mary's and St. Vincent de Paul accept one-time and recurring donations.
🤝 Volunteer
Take a kitchen shift, pack a food box or deliver meals to neighbors in need.
- Sign up at St. Mary's, St. Vincent de Paul or Desert Mission.
🎃 Trick-or-treat assist
Facebook groups across the country are encouraging people to include nonperishables, like ramen cups and microwaveable mac-and-cheese, in their trick-or-treat baskets to support families who may need extra help.