February SNAP benefits available early to mitigate impact of government shutdown

Contributed Article

PHOENIX, Ariz – Due to the current federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for February will be available as early as Jan. 17 to nearly 320,000 Arizona families following an announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). 

Arizona SNAP benefits will be issued to households according to an alphabetical schedule over a four-day period from Jan. 17-20.

Safford DES building

“These are not additional benefits, but represent an early one-time benefit to help households that may be impacted by the partial federal government shutdown,” said Angie Rodgers, President and CEO of the Arizona Association of Food Banks.

She also emphasized that SNAP recipients would not receive benefits in February, “so budgeting is of the utmost importance.”

Cynthia Zwick, executive director of Wildfire, formerly the Arizona Community Action Association, encouraged new applicants or anyone reapplying “should submit applications as soon as possible, but definitely by the end of the month.”

Rodgers said that individuals and families needing emergency food can find assistance at food banks across the state.  A list of locations is available at www.azfoodbanks.org.

For questions about benefits or additional assistance visit wwwhealtharizonaplus.gov or www.wildfireaz.org.