Gov. Doug Ducey has announced a new series of protocols for dealing with the coronavirus in Arizona.
First, he said he is asking the U.S. Depatment of Agriculture for permission to add prepared and hot meals from grocery stores to the list of benefit items covered under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps.
Simultaneously, he said he is asking the ARizona Department of Economic Security, which administers the program, to bypass eligibility interviews and approve applications faster.
He also said he is asking to waive the 20-hour workweek minimum for students, citing scarce job opportunities. And, he wants to bump up family eligibility to two months to provide as much as $150 a month to eligible households.
These are in addition to the $5.3 million Ducey called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help provide meals for older adults.
The funds are part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act approved earlier this month by Congress.
