The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is preparing for an influx of users this week after many Tucsonans lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits over the weekend.
Nearly 900,000 Arizonans are facing the loss due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. The Community Food Bank will continue to serve Southern Arizonans facing food insecurity, but is asking for additional help from partners and neighbors, said public relations manager Chris Firmage.
“We’ve been preparing for all kinds of contingencies with the shutdown going into effect,†Firmage said. “There’s already been increased need with rising food prices and rising food insecurity. A lot of this just depends on the length of the federal shutdown.â€
Firmage said he was relieved when Gov. Katie Hobbs announced that $1.5 million would be deployed to Arizona food banks, but details on when those funds will arrive and how much the local bank will receive are unclear.
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“What we’re doing for now is asking the community to step up. Many many times, this community has been amazing at stepping up in times of crisis, and we’re asking them to do it again by donating or volunteering,†he said.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said she is encouraging those who can to donate to the Community Food Bank, calling food aid “a lifeline.â€
Volunteers pass out fresh produce inside the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, 3003 S. Country Club Road, on Friday, Oct. 31.
Bashas’ announced Friday that through Monday, Nov. 3, it will donate 20% of profits from its stores to support a network of Feeding America food banks in Arizona and New Mexico responding to the surging demand. Customers can also donate at checkout at Bashas’, Food City and AJ’s Fine Foods; 100% of register donations go directly to local food banks, the company said.
Other organizations and individuals are also taking action to help those in need of food. Here’s a list of food resources across Pima County:
Resources
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona provides emergency food assistance and free meals, as well as a farmers’ market, community gardens, nutrition education, culinary training, support for local growers and food systems, advocacy and more.
Where: Gabrielle Giffords Resource Center, 3003 S Country Club Road; more locations at .
Distribution: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Gwen Scetlar, left, and Zalina Pedrin, right, pack boxes of non-perishable goods inside of the Margaret and George Steele fulfillment area at Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, 3003 S. Country Club Road.
Donations: Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More info:
Interfaith Community Services
Interfaith Community Services offers emergency food bags, hygiene items and more to Pima County residents who register and bring a photo ID.
Where: 2820 West Ina Road.
Distributions: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
More info:
Casa Maria Soup Kitchen
The soup kitchen, run by Catholic Workers, is “devoted to acts of mercy,†including feeding and clothing those in needs, its website says.
Where: 352 E. 25th St.
Distributions: Provides food daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Donations: Non-perishable and perishable foods accepted daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
More info:
Holy Family Church
Holy Family Church provides grab-and-go meals for those in need.
Where: 338 W University Blvd.
Distributions: Sundays through Wednesdays from 3 to 4 p.m.
More info:
Salvation Army Snack Sack Donations
The Salvation Army is accepting water and individually packaged, nonperishable snack foods to create snack sacks for those in need.
Where: The Salvation Army Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Ave.
Donations: Sundays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More info:
Heirloom Farms
Heirloom farms, a nonprofit organization operating five farmers’ markets in Southern Arizona, is offering $40 in vouchers to SNAP participants at all locations.
More info:
Amphitheater School District Food Distribution
The Amphitheater School District’s ECHO Community Resource Center hosts a weekly food distribution open to all community members. It distributes TEFAP boxes, meat, fresh produce and bread.
Where: ECHO Community Resource Center, 435 E. Glenn St.
Distributions: Wednesdays, 12:30 to 6 p.m. (or until food runs out).
More info:
Christ Church United Methodist Food Bank
CCUM Food Bank is a pantry location for the Community Food Bank. First-time visitors should bring a photo ID and a utility bill, rent receipt or other document showing a current address (if possible).
Where: Christ Community United Methodist, 655 N. Craycroft Road.
Distributions: Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
More info:
Shaolin Kung Fu Academy and Girl Power
SKFA and Girl power will be hosting a food drive from Nov. 1 to Nov. 22 to help combat food insecurity across Tucson. All donations will be given to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Where: 3106 E. Ft Lowell Road.
Donations: Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
More info:
Brick Box Brewery, Katsu House and Miss Fire Bites
Brick Box Brewery, Katsu House and Miss Fire Bites will be giving free meals to anyone who presents a SNAP card starting Nov. 5. The meal will include teriyaki chicken, white rice and steamed veggies. There will be a limit of one per person, per day.
More info:
GAP Ministries
GAP Ministries, a local faith-based discounted grocery outlet, will be extending its hours starting Nov. 5 so families have a better chance of buying cheaper groceries. Shoppers can also receive free food and essentials through the adjoining Warehouse program.
Where: 1994 W Weymouth St.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More info:
Kneller’s Delicatessen
Kneller’s will be offering day-old bagels and egg-and-cheese sandwiches to those who show a SNAP benefits card.
Where: 2545 E. Speedway.
More info:
Presta Food Drive
Presta Coffee is accepting non-perishable food items through Nov. 18. Items will be donated to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Where: .
More info:
Wild West Meat Market Kids Meals
Wild West Meat Market is offering free kids meals to any child who shows a SNAP card or school ID, no purchase required.
Where: .
More info:
The Boxyard
Snack at the Boxyard will be providing free sack lunches starting Nov. 3 to those who show a SNAP benefits card.
Where: 238 N. Fourth Ave.
When: Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
More info:
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