As of October 1, 2025, the federal government has entered a shutdown, and the impact is now hitting home for millions of Americans who rely on food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). If the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits will not be issued for November, leaving many families without critical support to buy groceries. 
What’s Happening?
- The USDA has confirmed that no SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1 due to lack of funding.
- States have been directed not to transmit EBT issuance files to vendors until further notice.
- This affects over 42 million Americans, including thousands of families in Arizona who depend on SNAP to feed their children, seniors, and vulnerable individuals.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you or someone you know is a SNAP recipient and may be affected by the shutdown, local food banks are stepping up to help. You can search for emergency food assistance by ZIP code using the following resources:
Use their ZIP code search to locate food boxes, onsite meals, and home meal programs across Arizona.
Access a map of over 120 food pantries, mobile markets, and meal sites in the East Valley and Eastern Arizona.
AZFH Outreach: How We’re Responding During the Shutdown
Arizona’s Family to the Homeless (AZFH) continues to provide meal kits, hygiene items, and seasonal relief supplies throughout this crisis. Our outreach efforts include:
- Weekly Outreach at Social Spin (Mesa)
Every Wednesday, AZFH serves low-income families and individuals experiencing homelessness at our community partner location, Social Spin, offering meal kits, hygiene items, and seasonal relief supplies.
- Mobile Street Outreach
Our team conducts unscheduled outreach events across Mesa and surrounding areas. These mobile efforts allow us to reach individuals where they are—on the streets, in parks, or near encampments—with supplies and support.
- Day-to-Day Encounters
AZFH outreach team members carry supplies with them during their daily routines, ready to assist anyone they encounter in need of food, hygiene, or seasonal relief.
We remain committed to serving our community during this federal shutdown and will continue to adapt our outreach to meet urgent needs.
Additional Support
- 211 Arizona: Dial 2-1-1 or visit https://211arizona.org for help with housing, utilities, diapers, and more.
Stay Informed
AZFH will continue to monitor the situation and update our community as new information becomes available. We encourage everyone to share this post and help spread awareness so families can access the resources they need.