Arizona Gov. Hobbs Pledges $1.8M Food Aid Amid SNAP Benefit Freeze Impacting 900,000

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced a $1.8 million emergency aid package to support nearly 951,000 residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which faces a freeze starting November due to a federal government shutdown. The funding includes $1.5 million directed to food banks statewide and $300,000 allocated to the Food Bucks Now program, providing $30 vouchers for fresh produce to SNAP households at participating markets and stores. Hobbs criticized the Trump administration and Republicans for the funding freeze, emphasizing that while the state lacks the capacity to fully backfill the $150 million monthly federal SNAP benefits, the state is taking steps to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations. The announcement follows Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joining a multi-state lawsuit aimed at compelling the federal government to continue SNAP payments. Community efforts, including local businesses like LoveBite Dumplings and Baked Chemistry Vegan Café, have also rallied to support those affected by offering free meals and accepting EBT cards despite the funding lapse. Hobbs additionally called on local retailers and the fresh produce industry to contribute resources to help those impacted during the ongoing shutdown.