The Arizona Department of Economic Security has resumed normal SNAP benefits following the end of the government shutdown, but food banks across the state are still experiencing a demand from families struggling to put food on the table.
Interfaith Community Services’ food bank on Tucson’s northside has seen a dramatic surge in visitors during recent weeks. The facility, located on Ina and Shannon roads, typically serves 100 to 125 people during their Tuesday and Thursday food distributions. However, they have been serving up to 300 people since SNAP benefits were temporarily suspended.
“I haven’t been working, so they took my food stamps, so we didn’t have much in the refrigerator,” said Eddie Perez, a food bank client…