FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Many families are struggling with food insecurity as the federal government shutdown disrupts paychecks and essential services. Due to the shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will end for more than 8,000 Coconino County families on Nov. 1, 2025. The loss of these benefits will result in families losing access to critical monthly food assistance, leaving food banks and nonprofits to fill the gap.
With household budgets stretched thin, food pantries and community programs are anticipating continued increased demand. To help address these needs, Coconino County is mobilizing resources to sponsor a community food drive. Those with the ability to help are asked to donate.
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 today 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.)
Community members are also encouraged to donate directly to a local food bank, food pantry, or charitable food organization.
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
Coconino County is both supportive and grateful for action taken by Governor Katie Hobbs today to allocate $1.8 million to support families impacted by the SNAP suspension.
For more information about how the federal government shutdown has impacted Health and Human Service programs along with regional food bank partners, visit coconino.az.gov/3514/2025-Federal-Government-Shutdown.
