Valley families don’t have to go without over the holidays

As holiday lights begin to glow across Arizona neighborhoods, many families are preparing to celebrate, yet countless others are stretching grocery budgets, watching pantry staples run low and deciding which essentials will have to wait.

With household costs rising and safety-net programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP — disrupted at the federal level, many families may be seeking help for the first time this winter.

So where can they turn? And how can concerned neighbors assist?

Locate food in your community

The Arizona Food Bank Network — AzFBN — connects individuals and families with hundreds of food banks, pantries, community centers, shelters and meal programs throughout the state.

Families can use the find a food bank directory to identify nearby sites or call the Hunger Hotline at (602) 528-3434 for questions or guidance.

Many food banks offer fresh produce, pantry staples and prepared foods. Some also host mobile distributions that make groceries more accessible during high-need times and in high-need areas.

During the holiday season, AzFBN provides a continuously updated calendar of seasonal distribution events, including holiday meal boxes, extra produce days and drive-through pickups. The calendar lists locations, times and any documentation needed.

Get help applying for SNAP and other benefits

SNAP is one of the most effective supports for families facing food insecurity, yet the application process can be complex and time-consuming, creating barriers for households already working hard to meet basic needs.

Wildfire, a statewide anti-poverty nonprofit, provides free SNAP enrollment support through one-on-one assistance and online tools like Arizona Self Help — a confidential screening tool that helps users determine which assistance programs they may qualify for.

Access WIC nutrition support

WIC — the Women, Infants and Children program — helps pregnant individuals, caregivers and children younger than 5 access nutritious foods and early health support. It also provides monthly food benefits, breastfeeding guidance, nutrition counseling and referrals to health care and early childhood programs.

Families can check eligibility and find their nearest WIC clinic through the Arizona Department of Health Services or county health departments. Many appointments can be completed by phone or video, which helps reduce transportation and scheduling barriers.

Receive free diapers

When diapers are limited, parents may be forced to stretch supplies longer than recommended, increasing the risk of rashes and infection. Lack of diapers also prevents families from accessing childcare programs, since centers require parents to bring a daily supply.

To help meet this need, Wildfire partners with community action agencies across 13 Arizona counties to provide up to 150 free diapers per month for each child in a household. The Arizona Diaper Distribution Pilot program includes all sizes, and many locations also offer wipes or cloth diaper kits.

How neighbors can help

Donations and community involvement go a long way when it comes to providing resources to those in need:

• Give what is most needed. Call ahead or check a pantry’s website for current needs. Donate items that are unopened, unexpired and easy to store and transport.
• Consider giving financially. Monetary gifts help food banks purchase fresh produce, fill inventory gaps, transport food and support safe warehouse operations.
• Volunteer your time. Food banks rely on volunteers to sort, pack and distribute food. Even a few hours can help move thousands of pounds of food into the hands of families.
• Support someone directly. Offering diapers, groceries or a meal to a neighbor eases strain on emergency social services systems and strengthens the networks of care that sustain us.

Editor’s note: Kelly McGowan is executive director of statewide anti-poverty nonprofit, Wildfire. April Bradham is president and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.