SNAP Emergency Allotment Ending

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotment program, which provided extra food assistance to families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, has ended in Arizona. The program had been in place since March 2020 to help those who have lost their jobs or experienced reduced income due to the pandemic. According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the emergency allotments provided an additional $76 million in food assistance to more than 200,000 households in the state. The end of the SNAP emergency allotment program means that families who were receiving extra benefits will now go back to their regular SNAP benefits, which may not be enough to cover basic needs. This could result in more families going hungry or making difficult choices between paying for food, rent, or other expenses.

Advocates for low-income families have expressed concern over the end of the program. "The pandemic is not over, and many families are still struggling to make ends meet," said Cynthia Zwick, executive director of the Arizona Community Action Association. "Ending the SNAP emergency allotment program will only make things harder for those already facing so many challenges." The end of the program also comes at a time when food prices are increasing, further exacerbating the situation for families in need. The cost of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs has increased by 10.5% over the past year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Advocates are urging the government to take action to address the growing food insecurity crisis. "We need to make sure that families have access to the resources they need to put food on the table," said Zwick. "This means expanding SNAP benefits, providing additional assistance for families in need, and addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger." 

If you're in Arizona and in need of nutrition assistance, it's important to know that there are resources available to help you.  We’re sharing the following resources to ensure that you and your family have access to healthy and nutritious food, which is essential for your health and well-being, and to help with the effects of the SNAP emergency allotment program ending: 

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. You can apply for SNAP benefits online at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ or by visiting a Department of Economic Security office in person.
2. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program: WIC provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. You can apply for WIC benefits at a local WIC clinic. To find a WIC clinic near you, visit https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/nutrition-physical-activity/wic/wic-clinics/index.php.
3. Emergency food assistance programs: There are several emergency food assistance programs available in Arizona, including food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens. Some of the organizations that provide emergency food assistance in Arizona include St. Mary's Food Bank, United Food Bank, and Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
4. Arizona Hunger Hotline: The Arizona Hunger Hotline is a toll-free hotline that provides information on food assistance programs and other resources for people in need. You can call the hotline at 1-800-445-1914.
5. Community Action Agencies: Community Action Agencies provide a wide range of services to low-income individuals and families, including food assistance, housing assistance, and utility assistance. To find a Community Action Agency near you, visit https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/community-action-agencies.