Secretary of State’s office provides resources in SNAP suspension

As the nation faces an abrupt suspension of funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Local First Arizona and the Secretary of State’s office have put together a web page showcasing food banks, mutual aid groups, farms, restaurants, and community advocates that are stepping in to fill the gaps. They will continue to update this list as more businesses and resources become available.

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D), Arizona, and Kimber Lanning, Founder and CEO, Local First Arizona, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss more about these resources being offered for SNAP recipients.

President Donald Trump has said that he does not plan on resuming SNAP benefits until the government shutdown comes to an end. For Fontes, the reason for SNAP benefits being paused is a Washington D.C. problem, but what we can do moving forward is find Arizona solutions.

“What we’re seeing right now is a good number of businesses, many of them don’t even have anything to do with food, that are stepping up to do food drives, and other such things, to make sure that families have the food and nutrition that they need,” Lanning said.

On the Local First AZ website there are resources that help to connect people to food pantries, distribution centers and an expanding list of small businesses that are willing to help those who have lost their SNAP benefits.

The Secretary of States’ office acts as a bridge between the program and people who are in need of the extra support while SNAP benefits are not being received. The state is also working with food banks and other types of food assistance programs to promote their service.

“The most critical thing here is the uplifting of human dignity,” Fontes said. “We know that there are folks all across Arizona who want to help these folks, we’re just really being the coordinating space.”

If you need help, or want to help others you can find more resources at localfirstaz.com or azsos.gov.