Nearly 900,000 Arizonans \u2014 12% of the state\u2019s population \u2014 receive SNAP benefits totaling approximately $150 million each month. About 40% of that goes toward feeding children.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Hobbs said in a press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n Where is Arizona getting $1.8 million to mitigate possible SNAP suspension?<\/p>\n 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>, a COVID relief and recovery package from 2021.<\/p>\n Food banks across the state will receive $1.5 million of the remaining ARPA funds.<\/p>\n \u201cFood 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,\u201d April Bradham, president and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network, said in the release.<\/p>\n Another $300,000 will go to the Food Bucks Now<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis allows for greater choice and flexibility for our families while also ensuring our small businesses and farmers don\u2019t suffer as well,\u201d Elyse Guidas, executive director of Activate Food Arizona, said in the release.<\/p>\n Hobbs\u2019 announcement came a day after Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit<\/a> to prevent the Trump administration from suspending SNAP benefits.<\/p>\n The Associated Press contributed to this report.<\/p>\n If you are dealing with food insecurity or want to help those who are, the Arizona Food Bank Network website<\/a> 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 \u201cFOOD\u201d to 620620.<\/p>\n Follow @kstonezone<\/a><\/p>\n We want to hear from you.<\/p>\n Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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