Arizona Governor Allocates Federal Relief Funds to Alleviate Food Assistance Cuts
As Arizona braces for a significant reduction in food assistance benefits, Gov. Katie Hobbs is directing $1.8 million from remaining federal COVID funds to support affected individuals. This decision comes in response to nearly 900,000 Arizonans facing the abrupt cessation of food stamp benefits starting November.
A bulk of the funds, $1.5 million, will be distributed to food banks throughout Arizona. These entities are expected to experience increased demand once the benefits are halted. Although this amount is considerably less than the $161 million in current benefits or the $45 million received by St. Mary’s Food Bank in donations, Gov. Hobbs aims to amplify support by encouraging public donations and volunteering. Additionally, she is urging retailers and the fresh produce sector to donate resources.
The remaining $300,000 is earmarked for the Food Bucks Now initiative, an extension of the Double Up Food Bucks program. This program offers a dollar-for-dollar match for food stamp users at farmers markets, with a similar option available at grocery stores for fresh produce. However, without SNAP benefits, there are no funds on recipients’ cards to double.
Under the new program, individuals can present their SNAP debit cards at participating locations to receive daily vouchers: $10 for doubling fruit and vegetable purchases and $30 for other SNAP-eligible foods. Despite this, locating participating sites can be challenging, as many are farmers markets with limited operating hours or locations.
Although the initiative is set to run through November, promotional materials warn that the $300,000 fund may not suffice to meet the anticipated demand. Data from the Department of Economic Security show the average monthly benefit is $358 per family.
Gov. Hobbs and fellow Democrats expressed frustration over the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s refusal to use its contingency fund to continue benefits amid a federal government shutdown. The USDA, holding $5 billion to $6 billion in reserve, argues these funds are reserved for natural disasters, not budgetary gaps. Attorney General Kris Mayes contests this, citing agency documents indicating the funds can be used during shutdowns. She has filed a lawsuit to compel the USDA to use these resources.
Mayes also called on Gov. Hobbs to summon a special legislative session to access Arizona’s $1.6 billion “rainy day fund.” She stated, “If this is not a rainy day, I’m not sure what is.” Gov. Hobbs has yet to commit to this action, with her press aide Christian Slater stating that the governor is exploring all options.
This announcement of financial aid follows Gov. Hobbs’ previous assertion that COVID relief funds were near depletion. Yet, this $1.8 million allocation suggests a strategic pivot to address the impending SNAP benefits shortfall.
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