SNAP and EBT Accepted here sign. SNAP and Food Stamps provide nutrition benefits to supplement the budgets of disadvantaged families. (Jonathan Weiss/Shutterstock)
These Arizona businesses, food banks, and community resources are filling in the gap as SNAP benefits are set to pause on Nov. 1.
On Nov. 1, the federal government will pause its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) because of the ongoing funding freeze caused by the government shutdown.
In September, more than 850,000 Arizonans—including 350,000 children—relied on SNAP to help pay for groceries, according to the Arizona Department of Economic Security..
Until federal funding is released, the agency will be unable to distribute SNAP benefits. These benefits help low-income families stretch their grocery budgets and afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
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As of June 2025, Arizona food banks were serving more than 700,000 people each month. As the government shutdown continues, demand is expected to increase, with many families turning to food banks for the first time ever.
In an attempt to offset the already increased demand, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs allocated $1.8 million of state money to food banks and vouchers for fresh foods at farmers markets and community grocery stores—but it’s a small dent in the huge loss of federal food assistance.
To fill the gap, community members are stepping up to provide aid and connect people in need with assistance. Here are some ways to access resources, or to lend a hand.
Where to access food assistance
To find a food bank in Arizona, visit the Arizona Food Bank Network and enter your zip code to find one near your location. St. Mary’s Food Bank also offers a food bank locator.
To find a local food pantry, visit this link.
Call 211, Arizona’s community resources hotline, for real-time help.
United Food Bank is holding free food distribution events on these days:
- Oct. 31, 8-10 a.m: United Food Bank’s Volunteer Center, 358 E. Javelina Ave. Mesa, AZ 85210
- Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Show Low First Baptist Church, 700 N. Central Ave. Show Low, AZ 85901
- Nov. 7, 9-11 a.m.: Christ The Victor Church, 6173 E. Arizona Farms Rd. Florence, AZ 85132
Empower AZ, Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), and the Arizona Center for Empowerment are hosting a food distribution event on Nov. 1, 9-11 a.m. The event address is private, but interested participants can sign up for details.
Ways to give or volunteer
All donations to Activate Food Arizona, a nonprofit dedicated to ending food insecurity, go to help people affected by the ongoing government shutdown. Donate here.
To donate to a food bank, visit this link.
For more information on how to help out your community as a volunteer, visit this link.
Restaurants and local businesses helping the community
Basked Chemistry is offering a pay-what-you-can meal called the Chemistry Community Plate at the Uptown Farmers Market in Phoenix on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Audrey Corley, the owner of Boycott Bar, Title 9 Sports Grill, and Dahlia Tapas Tequila & Wine, is purchasing $1,000 in food gift certificates to give to those in need. Boycott is also hosting a food drive on Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Coronado has created a $10 “pay it forward” option on their in-person and online menus that will give a meal of a burrito, chips, and salsa to someone in need. Anyone with a SNAP or EBT card will be able to receive the free meals daily between 1 and 5 p.m. For now, the restaurant is offering this option through Nov. 1-8, but it may extend it.
King Pigeon Thrift and Vintage – Phoenix
King Pigeon is holding a nonperishable food drive through Nov. 1. The store will give a 10% discount for any donation, and a donation of 10 or more items gets you a $10 gift card to the shop. Starting at 9 a.m. on Nov. 1, anyone affected by the SNAP funding cuts can receive a sandwich kit and items from the food drive. Anything not taken will go to community fridges or food banks.
Lovebite has added a $13 “pay it forward” option to their in-person and online menus that provides a dumpling box to those in need. Anyone with a SNAP or EBT card can receive the free meals from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Nov. 8.
Olla Olla is holding an emergency food drive for a family of four that will lose SNAP benefits. The restaurant is accepting donations of hot dogs, ground beef, chicken, ground turkey, eggs, cooking oil, fresh produce, fish, cereal, bread, milk, nonperishable snacks, water, and juice. The restaurant has also offered to pick up food, which can be coordinated by contacting them at 602-361-9324. Donations can also be made to the @OllaOllaCrepes Venmo account with the memo “Family Aid,” or the restaurant will accept ready-made foods for the family, like lasagna, enchiladas, or breakfast burritos. Any excess donations will go to others in need.
The Pemberton – Phoenix
Anyone who presents a SNAP card will receive two free tacos and an order of chips and salsa.
Proof Bread – Litchfield Park, Mesa, Phoenix, and Tempe
Starting Nov. 3, anyone with a SNAP or EBT card can receive 50% off their purchase from 5 to 7 p.m. at all locations.
Thunderbird Lounge is holding a nonperishable food drive for St. Mary’s Food Bank through the end of the month.
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