Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW) has activated a coordinated community response to help ensure families across Maricopa County have access to food during the holidays.
With the federal suspension of November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits taking effect November 1, and only limited payments resuming as of this week, Arizona residents may face new and profound challenges to food access in the coming weeks. Food banks typically see a surge of donations during that time, but current demand remains much higher than normal.
Through the new SNAP Into Action initiative, Valley of the Sun United Way is partnering with major food banks and community organizations — including St. Mary’s Food Bank, United Food Bank and Creighton Community Foundation — to help meet the urgent needs of households who may experience food insecurity due to the federal shutdown.
More than 900,000 Arizonans rely on SNAP benefits each month, including nearly one in 10 Phoenix families. The suspension of benefits, even temporarily, is expected to place significant strain on food banks, schools, and other community safety-net programs.
“The interruption of SNAP funding puts thousands of Arizona families at risk of going without food,” said Emma Garcia, Chief Community Development and Engagement Office at Valley of the Sun United Way. “Our role is to strengthen the safety net — and right now that means acting quickly with our partners to fill the gap and ensure no family goes hungry.”
SNAP Into Action invites local companies, organizations, and individuals to help through three main avenues:
Snack-Pack Builds: Organize or participate in assembling snack packs for distribution to schools and shelters.
Food Drives: Host or contribute to food drives to help stock local pantries.
Volunteer Opportunities: Join food packing and distribution efforts coordinated with food banks and community partners.
Jason Reed, President & CEO of United Food Bank, said they are seeing an influx of Arizona residents with food access needs.
“We still have a lot more food to provide and are working very hard to collect, purchase and deliver more food throughout Arizona so that local food pantries have enough stock to meet needs during this time,” he said.
Resources and information for families affected by the SNAP disruption, as well as ways to get involved, are available at www.vsuw.org/snapsupport.
“We know many families are already facing difficult choices,” Garcia said. “United Way’s mission is to meet the moment — to connect resources, partners and compassion where they’re needed most. We’re asking our community to come together once again, as we did during the pandemic, to make sure every family has food on the table this holiday season.”
Families in need of food assistance or other essential services are also encouraged to call 2-1-1 Arizona, a free, 24-hour community resource line.
About Valley of the Sun United Way
Since 1925, Valley of the Sun United Way has worked to break the cycle of poverty and build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Arizona for all. In partnership with individuals, businesses, and nonprofits, United Way connects the community to resources that create lasting impact in education, housing, health, and workforce development. Learn more at www.vsuw.org.
