As the government shutdown lingers, Phoenix's St. Mary's Food Bank faces unprecedented demand, with spokesperson Jerry Brown voicing concern about the impact on Thanksgiving distribution. In a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, Brown described the scenario, "If the government shutdown runs into Thanksgiving distribution, we're going to have an interesting couple of weeks." The food bank, typically bustling this time of year, has had to dip into its rainy day fund and consider extending hours to manage the influx.
Joining the food bank in their efforts, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and local charities called on Arizonans to rally support through donations and volunteer work. The plea comes in light of two federal judges' ruling that must continue the funding of the SNAP program during the shutdown, as reported by KJZZ. This has created a sense of urgency as food banks like St. Mary's shoulder the burden of increased demand. Last week, St. Mary's served over 50,000 families - a 10-15% spike compared to already record numbers, indicating how communities are stretching to fight food insecurity.
St. Mary's CEO Milt Liu highlighted the stark reality at a press conference, "We have a rainy day fund, and we are tapping into that rainy day fund," he told KJZZ. Liu explained the gap between food bank provisions and SNAP benefits, an amount that in Arizona tallies $155 million a month, stressing the mathematical impossibility for local food banks to fill this void entirely. Other organizations like the Salvation Army also testify to the growing need as they encounter an overflow of new families seeking assistance.
Amid ongoing trials to keep shelves stocked and services uninterrupted, some Arizona residents like Carrie, who rely on SNAP benefits, are feeling the pinch. In an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, Carrie shared her predicament, "I get $119 every month, but it helps. We live in a 55-plus community. It really helps because what I don't want, I give to other people because we're all seniors." The shutdown has snatched away the modest stipend she and others depend on for basic sustenance.
Mayor Gallego's call to action resonates across the state, encouraging the community to band together in a show of solidarity. St. Mary's and other charitable organizations depend on this surge of communal support to navigate what could be dire straits as November deepens. For those wishing to contribute, cash donations are deemed most effective, though food items remain a valued contribution.
