Nearly 1 million Arizonans face food insecurity without SNAP payments

On Nov. 1, 42 million Americans and 855,273 Arizonans, would have seen their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits halted as the federal government shutdown lingers.

SNAP is the decades-old federal program, formerly known as food stamps, that provides low-income households with monthly benefits to buy groceries—helping to combat hunger and food insecurity. 

Funds are provided with a debit card, or EBT card, that can be used to purchase eligible food items.

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Initially, the Trump administration refused to continue to fund food stamps with a contingency fund specially designed for times like the shutdown, until ordered to do so by two federal judges on Oct. 31.

Last week, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued the US Department of Agriculture and its Secretary Brooke Rollins over suspension of SNAP benefits, asking a federal court to force the USDA to use a $6 billion SNAP contingency fund. 

By Nov. 3, the Trump administration announced it would provide enough funding for half of the usual monthly payment in November for food stamp recipients, only after the court ordered action, and despite the fact that there is enough emergency funding available to cover full payments. 

On Nov. 6, a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to fully fund November SNAP benefits. 

Even with the less-than adequate emergency funding, SNAP and EBT cardholders won’t see funds for groceries immediately, and they did not receive funds on the date they are usually dispersed, the first of the month. 

While households could receive a maximum of 50% of expected benefits, the benefit allotment could be further reduced if the household has any income, according to the Arizona Department of Economic Security. 

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs announced $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding on Oct. 29, primarily to support food banks across the state—though the contribution is only about 1% of the funding needed.

Arizonans worry what to do next

Lena Villa is a Phoenix grandmother and retiree, and her whole family, including herself, her daughter, and three grandchildren, all rely on SNAP each month.

“Right now, the only thing keeping me from going hungry is SNAP…that lifeline will be gone, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to do,” Villa said. 

Villa cares for three of her grandchildren, ages 6, 8, 17, while her daughter works. Villa’s fixed income as a retiree makes it difficult to budget each month, but with social safety net assistance, she’s made it through. 

“We’re gonna struggle, but we’re survivors,” Villa told The Copper Courier. “They [politicians] need to understand that we’re struggling here, and we’re Americans, just like they are.”

Villa’s family already portions out their SNAP benefits, and they stick to purchasing low-cost and sale foods like canned items, potatoes, and beans—but the SNAP funds are never enough to roll over into the next month. 

READ MORE: SNAP benefits will soon be on hold: Here’s how Arizona communities are stepping up

“We make it work, we stretch it out because we have to, because every meal counts, every dollar counts, we’re not abusing it, and we need it—we’re not eating steak every day,” Villa said.

As a diabetic, Villa already has to watch her diet, but she worries about taking care of her health without the additional money for food. 

“I don’t mind dying, but what about my grandkids? What are they gonna do? Because my daughter has to work, who’s gonna take care of them?” Villa said.

Aurelius Villa, Lena’s grandson, has been on SNAP his entire life. Now, as a 17-year-old high school student, he is starting to worry about providing more for his family, rather than focusing on school, college, and his future, he told The Copper Courier. 

“I’ve been really grateful my whole life to even just have it,” he told The Copper Courier. It’s helped my family more than I can explain, especially when there’s only one income in the house.” 

Just a few months without food assistance can change a family’s life, Villa said. Other kids are scared, he added, noting that they are skipping meals so their younger brothers and sisters can eat. 

“No one should have to live like that.”

Dee McDonald, a 64-year-old Mesa resident, cares for her five grandchildren, aged 22 to 13. She has been on SNAP for years to feed her family. 

“SNAP is the only reason we stay alive…Instead of choosing between buying food or buying diapers, I could do both,” McDonald said. 

She has always tried to be careful with her money, shopping at discount stores and using coupons—but her five boys need nutrition, and she still goes to food banks to make ends meet, she said. 

Without SNAP, McDonald worries she will fall behind and become homeless, without enough money for rent and other bills.

“I barely make enough to survive without this help,” McDonald said. “Everyone has a different story, but so many of us share the same truth, we work hard, we raise families, we do our part, and we still cannot get ahead.”