Governor Hobbs Announces Funding for Food Banks and New Food Bucks Now Program to Support Families in Need

Strategic Insights -

Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona has taken action to support Arizonans affected by the withholding of food assistance funding by the federal government. The state is deploying $1.8 million in ARPA funds to fill gaps for SNAP households seeking food, with $1.5 million allocated to food banks across the state. The state is also partnering with the Arizona Food Bank Network to encourage Arizonans to support families devastated by the suspension of SNAP benefits. A new emergency fresh food program, Food Bucks Now, has been launched to provide $30 vouchers to purchase fresh produce at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, and community grocery stores.

Key Takeaways:

  • The federal government's SNAP contingency fund contains $6 billion, which is being withheld despite prior plans to continue funding the program in the event of a federal government shutdown.
  • $1.8 million in ARPA funds will be deployed to support Arizonans affected by the withholding of food assistance funding.
  • $1.5 million in funds will be allocated to food banks across the state to fill gaps for SNAP households seeking food.
  • Food Bucks Now is a new emergency fresh food program that provides $30 vouchers for SNAP participants to purchase fresh produce at participating farmers markets, mobile markets, and community grocery stores.
  • The program is expected to benefit thousands of SNAP households, who will be able to access fresh food and support small businesses and farmers.
  • Governor Hobbs is also calling on retailers, grocers, and the fresh produce industry to step up and support vulnerable residents by contributing food, resources, and logistical support.
  • The state's food banks are already serving an unprecedented number of people, with over 770,000 individuals served each month.

Statistics:

  • $1.8 million in ARPA funds will be deployed to support Arizonans affected by withholding of food assistance funding.
  • $1.5 million in funds will be allocated to food banks across the state to fill gaps for SNAP households seeking food.
  • 1,500 SNAP households are expected to benefit from the Food Bucks Now program in the first month alone.
  • The program will provide $30 vouchers to thousands of SNAP participants to purchase fresh produce.
  • The federal government's SNAP contingency fund contains $6 billion, which is being withheld despite prior plans to continue funding the program.
  • Over 770,000 individuals are served by Arizona's food banks each month.

Sources:

  • [Gov. Katie Hobbs], Arizona Governor's Office, "Governor Hobbs Announces Funding for Food Banks and New Food Bucks Now Program to Support Families in Need" (2025)
  • [Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan], Arizona Senate Democratic Caucus, "Statement on Governor Hobbs' Funding for Food Banks and Food Bucks Now" (2025)
  • [House Democratic Leader Oscar De Los Santos], Arizona House Democratic Caucus, "Statement on Governor Hobbs' Funding for Food Banks and Food Bucks Now" (2025)
  • [April Bradham], Arizona Food Bank Network, "Statement on Governor Hobbs' Funding for Food Banks and Food Bucks Now" (2025)
  • [Adrienne Udarbe], Pinnacle Prevention Food Bucks, "Statement on Governor Hobbs' Funding for Food Banks and Food Bucks Now" (2025)
  • [Elyse Guidas], Activate Food Arizona, "Statement on Governor Hobbs' Funding for Food Banks and Food Bucks Now" (2025)