New SNAP work requirements could add pressure to food banks

New federal work requirements could bar nearly 147,000 Arizonans from receiving benefits, according to the Arizona Center for Economic Progress.

But food banks throughout the state could also feel the pressure as uncertainty from these new stipulations increases the demand for food aid.

Changes made to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often referred to as SNAP, were made last year after the passing of the President Donald Trump-led reconciliation package.

Within the altered provisions included the new work requirement that came into effect at the beginning of this year. It demands all able-bodied adults aged between 18 and 64 to certify they work at least 80 hours per month, are in school or are participating in a job training program.

Carrie Aranda, director of mission advancement at the Tempe Community Action Agency, said her biggest concern is that those who are attempting to recertify their benefits could be left vulnerable if they did not complete the paperwork necessary to prove they meet the requirements.

The community action agency is a food bank which experienced a 30% increase in households served during the crux of SNAP cuts starting in October.

Despite the increase leveling off after the holidays, Aranda said households served have stayed consistently high and she doesn’t anticipate it to go down anytime soon.

“We’re planning for our numbers to stay high for the next six months to a year based on what happens in the economy, what happens with SNAP.” she said.

Aranda added that staffing cuts at the Arizona Department of Economic Security has only exacerbated recertification issues.

In July 2025, DES laid off over 36% of employees that determine SNAP eligibility. The move came as a result of funding cuts made earlier that month.

As of December, DES was processing 54,000 applications, with 18,000 of those applications being over 30 days old.

“Our concern is if someone loses their benefits because they didn’t submit something, and they have to get them back, there’s going to be a delay in getting them back,” Aranda said. “Plus with the reduction in staff, who is processing these work requirements? Are there going to be delays in that?”