Arizona food bank urges holiday support as demand stays high

Even though we are through Thanksgiving, food banks still need help to stay running. Anything from food and financial donations to in-person help, Arizona’s food banks will take all the assistance the community is willing to offer.

Terri Shoemaker, Executive Vice President of Arizona Food Bank Network, joined “Arizona Horizon” to expand on what the public can do to help food banks.

This year in particular, food banks across the nation faced many obstacles as a result of the almost one and a half government shutdown in October and November.

The shutdown caused a surge in demand for food banks as many families saw a delay or even lack of benefits from food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, some food banks saw a cut back on federal food supply from federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture that delivers food to food banks, assistant programs and even schools.

Despite the shutdown being over, Shoemaker said families impacted by the disruption of SNAP benefits could still be facing the affects of the shutdown.

Shoemaker explained SNAP benefit delays can cause individuals to put money into buying groceries for the week instead of putting that money towards another household necessity. Or, during this time of year, towards having a celebratory dish for Thanksgiving.

Shoemaker said throughout the end-of-year holiday season, people are more inclined to volunteer and make donations to local charities and food banks. Too, most Arizona food banks are tax credit eligible, which givens people an extra incentive to donate.

Shoemaker explained many families could be two or three paychecks away from needing assistance from a food bank, and it’s important to realize these situations aren’t completely unimaginable for someone you might know.

“Keep an eye on your neighbors,” Shoemaker advised. “Keep an eye on your family because everyone needs help sometimes.”