Improving Food Security

The Arizona State Budget, signed into law March 28, 2020, provides an additional $1.75M to improve food security, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. $1M will be distributed by DES to the three regional food banks: St. Mary’s Food Bank, United Food Bank and Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona:

• St. Mary Food Bank Alliance - $490,000
• Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona - $290,000
• United Food Bank - $220,000

An additional $500,000 will expand Arizona’s “Double-Up” Food Bucks program, which allows Arizonans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance to get a $1 match from the State for every $1 they spend on Arizona-grown fruits and vegetables. During the COVID-19 outbreak, they will be temporarily removing the $20 daily Double Up Food Bucks incentive limit, effective immediately at all active Double Up sites. The remaining $250,000 will go toward the Arizona Produce Purchasing Program, known as the “Farm To Food Bank” program. For additional information on Double Up Food Bucks, visit their blog post.