PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced $1.8 million in emergency aid Wednesday to help families affected by the Trump administration’s suspension of federal food assistance starting November 1. The plan includes $1.5 million in unused American Rescue Plan Act funds for Arizona food banks and $300,000 for the “Food Bucks Now” program, which provides vouchers for fresh produce at local markets.
Hobbs criticized the administration’s decision to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal shutdown, calling it “appalling” and “a political game at the expense of families.” The shutdown began October 1 after Democrats and Republicans failed to reach a deal on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined 20 other states in suing the USDA to restore SNAP funding. Mayes also urged Hobbs and the legislature to tap into the state’s $1.6 billion rainy-day fund to help feed 800,000 Arizonans who rely on SNAP monthly.
The Arizona Food Bank Network welcomed the aid but warned it covers only a fraction of the state’s $150 million monthly SNAP benefits.
Sources:
- News from the States – MBFC Rating
- Arizona Mirror – MBFC Rating
- Double Up AZ – Unrated
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