PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Long lines have been forming at food banks across the Valley.
Two federal judges have ruled the Trump administration cannot suspend food assistance, but millions of Americans could still face delays receiving their benefits. And that’s already having a direct impact on Arizona families.
Even though the courts ruled that SNAP benefits can’t be cut, money has yet to hit people’s EBT cards. Many aren’t sure when or how much will be released, sending food pantries into overdrive.
Saturday, amid the government shutdown, SNAP benefits were defunded, leaving almost a million Arizonans without the food they were expecting through government assistance. That led to long lines at food banks.
Danielle McMahon, COO with St. Vincent de Paul, said they’re seeing record-breaking numbers of families.
“Our teams have been mobilizing and getting to work,” McMahon said. “We know there’s a lot of stress and anxiety right now not knowing what they are going to do.”
At Mom’s Pantry, a similar scene of families scrambling. This week, two federal judges ruled the Trump administration cannot suspend food assistance, but on the first of the month, EBT cards were empty.
President Trump responded on social media, saying he has instructed government lawyers to ask courts how the administration could legally fund SNAP, saying, “Even if we get immediate guidance, it will unfortunately be delayed.”
So, in the meantime, pantries like these help fill the gaps left by the federal government. These food banks run entirely off donations, and they’re asking, if you can, to donate your money, time, or resources to help feed these families.
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