Arizona schools brace for food insecurity surge

By Stacy Mantle
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In Arizona’s classrooms, hunger is a daily barrier to learning — and it may be about to get worse.

The sweeping tax and spending package signed by President Trump — formally titled the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) — includes major changes to federal nutrition assistance, particularly the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Experts warn the law will significantly disrupt food access for tens of thousands of Arizona families, with ripple effects most sharply felt in the state’s public schools.

The law imposes stricter work requirements for adults and parents of children aged 14 and older, raises the compliance age from 54 to 64, and shifts a larger share of SNAP costs to state governments. Administrative costs will increase from 50% to 75% starting in 2027. Arizona’s SNAP payment error rate was just under 9% last year, which means the state will also be responsible for 10% of direct benefit costs beginning in 2028.

"The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is an ugly reality for Arizona families," said Joseph Palomino, 
Director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. "It guts SNAP support for nearly a million Arizonans — 397,000 of them children — and shifts massive costs to the state. Families could see their food benefits shrink or disappear altogether, while the state grapples with a possible $252 million price tag to cover its share of the administrative and program costs of SNAP in just a few years. That means tough choices: fewer resources for food, shelter, and school meals at a time when Arizonans need them most."

Food banks already stretched

“Food insecurity is already a significant issue across Arizona, with nearly 300,000 children being impacted,” said Kimber Lanning, founder and CEO of Local First Arizona. “Now, with funding cuts to the local food economy, food banks that are already struggling will see an influx of new participants as food access becomes a national security issue.”

As of March 2025, 11.8% of Arizonans — nearly 897,000 people — received SNAP benefits. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that up to 73,000 could lose at least some assistance under the new requirements. Nationwide, more than 42 million Americans participate in SNAP, the majority of whom are families with children or members of working households.

"We’re also concerned about the expanded work requirements," said Palomino. "OBBBA makes it harder for SNAP to respond during a recession and punishes rural communities where fewer jobs are available. And for the first time, parents with children would be subject to the harshest SNAP work rule, titled 'Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents,' or ABAWD. That’s not just harmful policy — it’s a direct threat to kids’ access to food."

For many of Arizona’s students, this translates to fewer meals at home — and growing dependence on school cafeterias.

“I really enjoy the school lunches, especially the carne asada quesadillas,” said Nevaeh Mendoza, a 12th-grade student at Willow Canyon High School. “There is always something I like to eat and having a good meal helps me stay focused during class and gives me energy for after-school activities.”

Schools turn to CEP and local strategies

Districts in high-poverty areas are expanding use of the Community Eligibility Provision — a federal option that allows schools to serve free meals to all students, regardless of income, without requiring household applications. Other schools are launching locally driven programs that include backpack programs, mobile meal services and school gardens to keep children fed during weekends and breaks.

Arizona food banks, which already serve an estimated 700,000 people monthly, are bracing for a surge in demand as SNAP access narrows. The burden is expected to be especially heavy in rural areas, where grocery stores are sparse and transportation is limited.

Advocates are urging lawmakers to act quickly, proposing short-term funds to stabilize access and calling for long-term partnerships with local farms, tribal producers, and mutual aid groups. Several coalitions are pushing for a statewide “Year-Round Meals for Every Student” framework in the next legislative session.

“This is just one more reason why it's important to learn how to garden and prepare food we've grown,” said Lanning. “Education plays a role in this, too. At Local First Arizona, we build a resilient local food system by offering choice food pantries, cooking and gardening classes, community kitchens and gardens.”

Expanding access in Arizona schools

Arizona’s school nutrition staff are working to shield students from the effects of federal cuts. Dysart Unified School District is one example.

“At Dysart, we know a full belly fuels a hungry mind,” said Ally Geary, director of nutrition services. “With a strong focus on nutrition and customer service, we strive to make every meal a positive part of the school day.”

For the 2025–26 school year, Dysart Unified is participating in both the National School Lunch Program and CEP. Students at 11 approved schools, including Dysart High, El Mirage Elementary and Valley Vista High, will receive free breakfast and lunch every day without submitting an application.

Families at non-CEP schools may still apply for free or reduced-price meals online at www.schoolcafe.com, or by requesting a paper form from their school. Reduced-price meals will be covered at no cost this year. Standard meal prices remain: $1.50 for breakfast, $2.75 for elementary/middle school lunch, and $3.00 for high school lunch. À la carte items and second meals will still be charged.

“As a parent, I truly appreciate the care Dysart puts into the meals they provide,” said Amanda Martin, parent of a fourth-grader at Asante Preparatory Academy. “Knowing my children are getting balanced, nutritious meals each day gives me peace of mind. These meals make a real difference for families like mine.”

Any Arizona student may automatically qualify for free meals if they:

• Receive SNAP, TANF or FDPIR benefits
• Are enrolled in Head Start or pre-K
• Are categorized as migrant, homeless, runaway or in foster care
• Fall within federal income eligibility guidelines

To determine eligibility and support district funding, families are encouraged to complete an alternate income form at www.schoolcafe.com.

What readers can do to help

Arizona families, educators and advocates can all play a role in addressing food insecurity. Residents can support local school districts by donating to school meal programs through the Arizona Public School Tax Credit, which allows individuals to contribute directly to nutrition services and receive a dollar-for-dollar reduction on their state taxes. Schools also welcome community partnerships to expand backpack programs, campus food pantries and garden projects.

Those looking to make an immediate impact can donate to organizations like St. Mary’s Food Bank, United Food Bank or the Arizona Food Bank Network, which are working directly with schools to meet rising demand. Even small monthly donations can help provide consistent access to fresh, healthy food for students in need.

Finally, readers are encouraged to reach out to local legislators and school boards to advocate for stronger state investment in child nutrition, including universal school meal programs, CEP expansion, and transportation funding to reach rural students.

"Today, more parents are having to work more than one job due to wages not keeping up with higher costs of living," said Palomino. "Housing costs have skyrocketed in the last few years, eating up a growing piece of stagnating family budgets and leaving fewer resources for food. At the same time, food has also gotten and will continue to get more expensive. Programs like SNAP not only help families afford food, but by lowering a family’s grocery bill, allow families to cover the rising costs of rent and other necessities. Gutting that support forces impossible choices no parent should have to make. "

Feeding kids shouldn’t be controversial — it’s a foundation for learning, equity and health.  

Editor’s note: A grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation made this story possible. The foundation awarded 15 newsrooms to pay for solutions-focused education reporters for two years. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.