Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar. Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — Treasurer Sarah Benatar joined Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Flagstaff Family Food Center Food Bank and Kitchen CEO Ethan Amos to discuss the impacts of the federal government shutdown on SNAP recipients in Coconino County.
“In Coconino County, where 18 percent of residents live in poverty, SNAP-authorized stores redeem more than $500,000 in benefits annually, making the stakes significant for local economies and small businesses,” said Treasurer Benatar.
Flagstaff Family Food Center Food Bank and Kitchen CEO, Ethan Amos, expressed that the situation is unprecedented. Food banks are already stretched and cannot fill the gap left by SNAP’s suspension.
“These are working families — nurses, social workers, restaurant employees — people already living on the edge,” Amos says.
Amos warned that the loss of SNAP benefits will not only increase hunger but also drive health costs and financial instability. Family finances are already stretched thin, and the loss of these benefits are mounting.
The call was covered by The Packer, a fresh produce news source for the industry. Their report is available online at Unprecedented Hunger Crisis’ Looms as Illinois and Arizona Brace for SNAP Shutdown.
Treasure Benatar is committed to supporting federal programs like SNAP, which are necessary to ensure that American families and children continue to have access to foods that help them not only survive but thrive.
In response to the federal government shutdown and suspension of SNAP, Coconino County launched a local food drive.
Recommended donations include shelf stable foods including canned/jarred sauces and meats, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, dried pasta/rice/grains, boxed meals, peanut butter, cereal and grocery gift cards.
Items can be dropped off weekdays at the following County locations through Friday, Nov. 7:
- Coconino County Health and Human Services, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Coconino County Administration Building, 219 Cherry Street, Flagstaff (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
- Williams Senior Center, 850 W Grant Ave, Williams (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
- Coconino County Health and Human Services, 467 Vista Ave, Page (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Coconino County is also participating in Stuff the Bus, a partnership with the Flagstaff Family Food Center, Mountain Line and City of Flagstaff where residents are encouraged to donate turkeys and other items needed to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Stuff the Bus is on Nov. 8 – 9 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the following locations:
- Safeway,1201 S. Plaza Way, Flagstaff
- Safeway, 1500 E. Cedar Ave., Flagstaff
Community members are also encouraged to donate directly to a local food bank, food pantry, or charitable food organization.