Cuts In SNAP Program Will Lower Food Allowance

Starting in November, 1.1 million Arizonans will be trying to buy food for $4.15 a day.  That is because of cuts in the SNAP program, more commonly known as food stamps. The Association of Arizona Food Banks is bracing for the challenge of feeding those who are affected, but President Angie Rodgers said that likely will last just a few weeks.

“Folks do donate around Thanksgiving and Christmas, so hopefully we’ll get a little more donations to be able to meet an immediate demand,” Rodgers said. “But that, of course, tails off. So later on, January, February, March, when donations return to normal donating levels, we are not necessarily going to be able to meet that need.”

Nineteen percent of Arizona 's population is classified as 'food insecure,' with the rate among children at 29 percent. Rodgers added that food banks are already struggling to meet the increased needs of people, more of whom are unemployed or underemployed, as a result of the recession.