The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted at its January 10 formal meeting to invest an additional $500,000 in the Arizona Food Bank Network (AFBN) to support food insecure communities in the county. . In 2021, feed america 9.2% of Maricopa County residents, or 400,830 people, were classified as food insecure, or unable to regularly access “enough food for an active and healthy life.”

Jack Sellers, chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and representative of District 1, said, “Rising inflation has made it difficult for Maricopa County families to afford basic necessities such as food, housing, and gasoline.'' It's becoming difficult,” he said. While there is work to be done to limit rising costs, this continued collaboration with the Arizona Food Bank Network is a meaningful way to get food to families struggling to make ends meet. ”

This funding is part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) budget allocated by Maricopa County to distribute nonperishable food, fresh produce, federal groceries, grocery donations, and fresh produce to food insecure countries. used to provide operating subsidies for Populations and institutions that play a critical role in serving food insecure people across the county.

The $500,000 approved on January 10 builds on the $3 million Maricopa County has already invested in Arizona food banks to address this dire situation. AFBN partners have served nearly 700,000 families over the past year, and with funds already invested, they have provided more than 11.4 million pounds of food across Maricopa County. The Jan. 10 amendment aims to expand the county's partnership with AFBN to continue providing assistance to food insecure communities through the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2024.

In December 2023, the Board of Supervisors also awarded $399,000 to the cities of Avondale, Chandler, Surprise, Tempe, and Tolleson to provide housing and nutrition assistance to income-eligible individuals and families in these communities. Approved Community Service Block Grants in excess of $1,000. This funding is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Maricopa County Department of Human Services.

These funding awards include:

• City of Avondale: $62,500 for Housing Stability Services.
• City of Chandler: $125,000 for safe and affordable housing.
• City of Surprise: $125,000 for safe temporary shelter
• City of Tempe: $62,500 for food/nutrition services.
• City of Tolleson: $24,750 for food/nutrition services.

For more information about the programs and services available through the Maricopa County Department of Human Services to assist Maricopa County residents, visit Maricopa.gov/HelpWithBills.

About Maricopa County Human Services

The Maricopa County Human Services Department (HSD) promotes the well-being of county residents in the face of adversity through a variety of programs and services that build community resiliency and help people and families thrive. These opportunities include early childhood education, housing, homeownership, independent living services for seniors and adults with disabilities, career development for job seekers with barriers to employment, crisis rentals, utility assistance, and people experiencing homelessness. This includes support for people. HSD is committed to providing innovative, equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive services in a collaborative approach that upholds dignity, promotes respect, and promotes social and economic mobility. To learn more about financial, educational and support resources available to Maricopa County residents, visit Maricopa.gov/HSD.