Where to Find Help and Why It Has Never Mattered More
Food insecurity among older adults is not a new problem in Arizona. But in 2026, the scale of need has reached a point that is alarming even to those who have spent careers fighting hunger in this state. One in ten seniors in Arizona faces hunger, and the safety net programs that once helped buffer that reality are under historic strain. For seniors living on fixed incomes, the gap between what benefits provide and what groceries actually cost is widening — and food banks across Arizona are filling that gap in ways they were never designed to sustain indefinitely.
This article explains what has changed, why it matters for older Arizonans, and where to find food assistance in every corner of the state.
The Collapse of SNAP in Arizona
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP, formerly known as food stamps — has long served as the primary federal tool for addressing food insecurity. For many Arizona seniors on limited incomes, a modest monthly SNAP benefit made the difference between a nutritious diet and a diet built around the cheapest available calories.
That buffer has been significantly eroded.
In January 2025, roughly 925,000 Arizonans received food assistance through SNAP. By April 2026, that number had fallen to 435,196 — a drop of nearly 490,000 people. Arizona has seen the biggest decline in SNAP participation in the United States since mid-2025.
This dramatic drop cannot be explained by a rapid improvement in people’s economic well-being or reduced need for help affording food. Arizona’s unemployment rate actually rose during the same period, and the cost of groceries remains high, rising 4 percent in the 12 months ending January 2026.
The cause traces directly to federal legislation. The law reduced SNAP funding by about $187 billion over 10 years, expanded work requirements, limited eligibility for some immigrants, and shifted more administrative costs onto states. In Arizona, the implementation created an additional barrier: former SNAP beneficiaries cut from the program say the state is making it impossible to prove they are still eligible, as the changes require applicants to provide more information to prove eligibility and to provide that information more frequently.
The consequences are playing out at food banks statewide. In April 2026, about 843,000 Arizonans sought help from food pantries — more than the number receiving SNAP benefits in the state. That is a stunning reversal. Food banks, which exist to supplement government programs, are now serving more people than those programs themselves.
For seniors, the situation carries an additional layer of complexity. Older adults face the same rising food costs as everyone else while often managing on Social Security income that increases only modestly each year. Seniors often must choose between buying groceries or filling prescriptions. That is not a hypothetical. It is a daily reality for a significant number of older Arizonans right now.
Government Food Programs Still Available to Seniors
Before turning to food banks, it is worth knowing that several government programs specifically designed for older adults remain available, even as the broader SNAP landscape has shifted.
SNAP — Nutrition Assistance
Despite the dramatic drop in enrollment, SNAP remains available for seniors who qualify. The 2026 income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level, which is about $1,729 per month for one person and $2,345 for two people. Many seniors who were removed during the recent enrollment purge may still be eligible. If you lost SNAP benefits or were denied, it is worth reapplying or calling Arizona 2-1-1 for help navigating the process.
Arizona DES administers SNAP and also offers the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), which allows older adults to apply through a simplified process with less documentation.
Phone: 1-800-352-8401
Website: des.az.gov/food-assistance
Commodity Senior Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Senior Food Program works to improve the health of low-income persons who are at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with a monthly package of nutritious food at no cost. CSFP foods are purchased by the state from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service division.
Packages include a variety of foods such as nonfat dry and ultra high-temperature fluid milk, juice, farina, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, dry beans, canned meat, poultry or fish, and canned fruits and vegetables. To qualify, you must be at least 60 years old and have a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. Participation is limited, so new applicants may be placed on a waiting list. The program is currently offered in Cochise, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma counties.
Phone: 1-800-252-5942
Website: des.az.gov/senior-food-program
Congregate Meals and Home-Delivered Meals
A congregate meal is a nutritious hot meal provided at least once a day to an eligible participant at a nutrition site, senior center, or other group setting. The home-delivered meal program provides a nutritious meal to an eligible individual at their residence. Volunteers and paid staff deliver these meals and spend additional time with the individuals, helping to decrease their feelings of isolation.
These programs are coordinated through Arizona’s Area Agencies on Aging and are accessible through Arizona DES.
Website: des.az.gov/congregate-home-delivered-meals
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP distributes USDA commodity foods at no cost to low-income Arizonans through food banks and pantries statewide. No age restriction applies, but many distribution sites also carry the senior-specific CSFP boxes alongside general TEFAP food.
Website: des.az.gov/emergency-food
Finding Food: Arizona’s Major Food Banks and Networks
Statewide Networks and Locator Tools
Arizona 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Arizona to speak with a live operator who can locate the nearest food pantry, identify what documents you need, and connect you with additional resources. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Website: 211arizona.org
Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN)
The Arizona Food Bank Network is a coalition of four regional food banks and nearly 1,000 food pantries and agencies working together to address hunger in Arizona. Their website includes an interactive database to find food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and other food distribution sites near you anywhere in the state.
Phone: 480-422-8922
Website: azfoodbanks.org/get-food
Arizona Governor’s Food Pantry Resource
The Arizona Governor’s Office maintains a statewide database of food pantries, soup kitchens, and food distribution sites across all 15 counties.
Website: azgovernor.gov/food-pantry-resources-for-arizonans
St. Mary’s Food Bank — Statewide Network
Founded in Phoenix in 1967, St. Mary’s is the world’s first food bank and Arizona’s largest. St. Mary’s partners with 700-plus organizations across 76,000 square miles of Arizona and serves nine of Arizona’s fifteen counties. Their interactive map at azfoodhelp.org shows all current distribution sites and schedules statewide.
Phone: 602-242-3663
Website: stmarysfoodbank.org
Distribution locator: azfoodhelp.org
Food Banks and Meal Programs by County and City
Apache County
Navajo and Apache Counties — Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) Area Agency on Aging
NACOG coordinates senior nutrition programs including home-delivered meals and congregate meals throughout Apache County, serving communities including Springerville, Eagar, St. Johns, and surrounding rural areas.
City: Flagstaff (serves Apache County)
Phone: 928-774-1895
Website: nacog.org
St. Mary’s Food Bank — Navajo Nation and White Mountain Distribution
St. Mary’s operates food distribution on the Navajo Nation and in White Mountain communities including Chinle and surrounding areas. Check their interactive map for current distribution sites and schedules.
Website: azfoodhelp.org
Cochise County
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona — Cochise County
The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona serves Cochise County through its network of more than 300 partner agencies. Contact the main Tucson office for the nearest Cochise County distribution partner.
City: Sierra Vista / Douglas / Bisbee (partner sites throughout the county)
Phone: 520-622-0525
Website: communityfoodbank.org
SEAGO Area Agency on Aging — Senior Nutrition
The Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization coordinates home-delivered meals and connections to food resources for seniors in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties. First point of contact for homebound seniors needing meal delivery in this region.
City: Safford (serves Cochise County)
Phone: 520-432-5301
Website: seago.org
Coconino County
Flagstaff Family Food Center
The Flagstaff Family Food Center provides food box distribution, meal preparation, and shelter services. Serves as one of the primary emergency food resources in northern Arizona.
City: Flagstaff
Phone: 928-774-3120
Website: flagstafffamilyfoodcenter.org
Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) — Area Agency on Aging
Coordinates senior nutrition programs including home-delivered meals and congregate meals throughout Coconino County, serving Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, Page, and surrounding communities.
City: Flagstaff
Phone: 928-774-1895
Website: nacog.org
Gila County
Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens — Area Agency on Aging
Coordinates food assistance, home-delivered meals, and senior nutrition programs for seniors throughout Gila County, including Globe, Payson, and surrounding areas.
City: Coolidge (serves Gila County)
Phone: 520-836-2758
Website: pgcsc.org
United Food Bank — Gila County
United Food Bank partners with food pantries and distribution sites throughout Gila County. Use their website to find the nearest partner location.
Website: unitedfoodbank.org
Graham County
Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center — Social Services
Provides connections to food assistance and social services including referrals to food pantries and meal programs for seniors in Graham County.
City: Safford
Phone: 928-348-4000
Website: mtgraham.org
SEAGO Area Agency on Aging — Senior Nutrition
Coordinates home-delivered meals and food resource referrals for seniors throughout Graham County.
City: Safford
Phone: 520-432-5301
Website: seago.org
Greenlee County
SEAGO Area Agency on Aging — Senior Nutrition
Coordinates home-delivered meals and food resource referrals for seniors in Greenlee County, including Clifton and Morenci.
City: Safford (serves Greenlee County)
Phone: 520-432-5301
Website: seago.org
La Paz County
Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) — Area Agency on Aging
Coordinates senior nutrition programs, home-delivered meals, and food resource referrals for seniors in La Paz County, including Parker and Quartzsite.
City: Kingman (serves La Paz County)
Phone: 928-753-5511
Website: wacog.com
Yuma Community Food Bank — La Paz County
The Yuma Community Food Bank provides emergency and supplemental food assistance to low-income individuals including seniors across both Yuma and La Paz counties.
City: Yuma (serves La Paz County)
Phone: 928-783-0697
Website: yumafoodbank.org
Maricopa County
Aster Aging — Meals on Wheels (East Valley)
Aster Aging delivers hot weekday meals and frozen weekly meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities throughout the East Valley. Wellness checks are included with each delivery.
City: Mesa / East Valley
Phone: 480-962-5612
Website: asteraz.org/services/meals.html
Foothills Food Bank
Serves the Cave Creek, Carefree, and New River areas of northern Maricopa County with emergency food assistance and connections to additional resources.
City: Cave Creek
Phone: 480-488-1145
Website: foothillsfoodbank.com
HonorHealth Desert Mission Food Bank
Desert Mission Food Bank offers nutritious food options low in fat and sodium, including Emergency Food Boxes, Senior Food Boxes through the CSFP program, fresh produce, and packaged dry goods. Food bank guests may visit two times per month. No referral required.
City: Phoenix
Address: 9229 N. 4th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Website: desertmission.com/food-bank
Maricopa Association of Governments Area Agency on Aging (Region One)
Coordinates home-delivered meals and congregate meal programs throughout Maricopa County for seniors 60 and older. The 24-hour Senior Help Line is the first call for any senior in Maricopa County seeking meal delivery or food assistance.
City: Phoenix
Phone: 602-264-4357 (24-hour Senior Help Line)
Website: aaamcg.net
Market on the Move (Phoenix)
Provides up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $10 donation. Available at multiple Phoenix-area locations on rotating days. Check the website for current schedule and locations.
City: Phoenix / Valley-wide
Website: 3000club.org
St. Mary’s Food Bank — Main Distribution Center
Arizona’s largest food bank and the world’s first food bank. Walk-ins served with no referral required. Bring a photo ID and proof of address.
City: Phoenix
Address: 3131 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM; 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10 AM to 12 PM
Phone: 602-242-3663
Website: stmarysfoodbank.org
Tempe Community Action Agency — Meals on Wheels
Provides hot, nutritious meals and daily well-being visits to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in Tempe and parts of South Scottsdale Monday through Friday.
City: Tempe
Phone: 480-858-6510
Website: tempeaction.org
United Food Bank
United Food Bank partners with more than 125 food pantries, mobile food truck markets, and hot meal sites across Arizona, primarily serving Maricopa, Pinal, and Gila counties. Use their website to find the nearest partner location.
City: Mesa / Valley-wide
Website: unitedfoodbank.org
YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix — Meals on Wheels (Glendale)
YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix is the only provider of Meals on Wheels within the city of Glendale, delivering up to seven meals weekly to referred clients. Eligibility is determined by the Area Agency on Aging.
City: Glendale
Phone: 602-264-4357 (AAA referral line)
Website: ywcaaz.org
Mohave County
Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) — Senior Nutrition (Mohave County)
WACOG coordinates home-delivered meals for eligible homebound residents in Mohave County including Kingman, Bullhead City, and Lake Havasu City. A case manager will speak with you and help determine if home-delivered meals are right for you.
City: Kingman
Phone: 928-753-6247
Website: wacog.com/senior-nutrition
Navajo County
Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) — Area Agency on Aging
Serves Navajo County including Show Low, Holbrook, Winslow, Pinetop-Lakeside, and the White Mountains region for senior nutrition programs and home-delivered meals.
City: Flagstaff (serves Navajo County)
Phone: 928-774-1895
Website: nacog.org
St. Mary’s Food Bank — White Mountain and Navajo County Distribution
St. Mary’s operates food distribution throughout Navajo County. Use the interactive map to find distribution sites near you.
Website: azfoodhelp.org
Pima County
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona — Main Warehouse
The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona provides food and food-related services throughout a 23,000 square-mile region including Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties, distributing over 63,000 meals a day through more than 300 local nonprofit partner agencies. Walk-ins are welcome; bring a photo ID and proof of address.
City: Tucson
Address: 3003 S. Country Club Road, Tucson, AZ 85713
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 AM to 1 PM; Thursday, 8 AM to 6 PM
Phone: 520-622-0525
Website: communityfoodbank.org
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona — Green Valley Branch
Branch distribution location serving the Green Valley and Sahuarita area.
City: Green Valley
Phone: 520-622-0525
Website: communityfoodbank.org
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona — Amado Branch
Branch distribution location serving communities along the I-19 corridor south of Tucson.
City: Amado
Phone: 520-622-0525
Website: communityfoodbank.org
Interfaith Community Services (ICS) Food Bank
ICS provides nutritious food for low-income seniors, individuals, and families, including monthly food and holiday boxes, supplemental food items, and personal hygiene items. No referral is needed; walk-ins are welcome during operating hours.
City: Tucson
Address: 2820 W. Ina Road, Tucson, AZ 85741
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 AM to 11 AM; Tuesday and Thursday, 8 AM to 6:30 PM
Phone: 520-297-6049
Website: icstucson.org
Market on the Move (Tucson)
Provides up to 60 pounds of fresh produce for a $10 donation. Available on Saturdays at Tucson-area locations. Drive-thru format.
City: Tucson
Website: 3000club.org
Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) — Senior Nutrition
Coordinates home-delivered meals and congregate meal programs for seniors throughout Pima County and serves as the gateway to Meals on Wheels in the Tucson area.
City: Tucson
Phone: 520-790-7262
Website: pcoa.org
Pinal County
Pinal-Gila Council for Senior Citizens — Area Agency on Aging
Coordinates food assistance, home-delivered meals, and senior nutrition programs for seniors throughout Pinal County, including Casa Grande, Florence, Coolidge, and surrounding communities.
City: Coolidge
Phone: 520-836-2758
Website: pgcsc.org
Superstition Community Food Bank — CSFP Senior Program
Holds the Commodities Senior Food Program distribution on the third Thursday of each month from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, providing area seniors with an extra monthly food distribution exclusively for them.
City: Apache Junction
Phone: 480-474-5260
Website: superstitionfoodbank.org
United Food Bank — Pinal County
United Food Bank partners with food pantries and distribution sites throughout Pinal County. Use their website to find the nearest partner location.
Website: unitedfoodbank.org
Santa Cruz County
Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona — Nogales Branch
Branch distribution location serving Nogales and Santa Cruz County.
City: Nogales
Phone: 520-622-0525
Website: communityfoodbank.org
Mariposa Community Health Center
Provides health and social services including connections to food assistance and caregiver support resources throughout Santa Cruz County.
City: Nogales
Phone: 520-375-6000
Website: mariposachc.net
SEAGO Area Agency on Aging — Senior Nutrition
Coordinates home-delivered meals and food resource referrals for seniors throughout Santa Cruz County.
City: Safford (serves Santa Cruz County)
Phone: 520-432-5301
Website: seago.org
Yavapai County
Foothills Food Bank — Yavapai County
Serves communities in the southern Yavapai County area with emergency food assistance.
City: Cave Creek / Yavapai County border area
Phone: 480-488-1145
Website: foothillsfoodbank.com
Prescott Meals on Wheels
Prescott Meals on Wheels has provided uninterrupted meal delivery service since 1973. From 2022 to 2023, the program saw a 40% increase in demand. Volunteer drivers deliver meals between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Enrollment can typically begin within a few days of completing intake.
City: Prescott
Phone: 928-445-7630
Website: prescottmealsonwheels.org
Yavapai County Intergovernmental Public Agency (YCIPA) — Area Agency on Aging
Coordinates food assistance, home-delivered meals, and senior nutrition programs in Prescott, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Sedona, and surrounding communities throughout Yavapai County.
City: Prescott
Phone: 928-771-3122
Website: yavapai.us/ycipa
Yuma County
Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) — Senior Nutrition (Yuma County)
WACOG provides nutritious meals for older adults age 60 and over who are not able to prepare their own meals due to physical or medical impediments, including both congregate meal programs and home-delivered meals in Yuma County.
City: Yuma
Phone: 1-800-782-1886
Website: wacog.com/senior-nutrition
Yuma Community Food Bank
The Yuma Community Food Bank provides emergency and supplemental food assistance to low-income individuals and families, including seniors, veterans, and children, across Yuma and La Paz counties. Every dollar donated generates five meals for neighbors facing food insecurity.
City: Yuma
Address: 2404 E. 24th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
Phone: 928-783-0697
Website: yumafoodbank.org
What to Bring to a Food Bank
Most Arizona food banks require minimal documentation. Generally, plan to bring a photo ID such as a driver’s license, state ID, or tribal ID, and proof of your current address such as a piece of mail, utility bill, or lease agreement.
Some programs, particularly CSFP, require documentation of income. Many food banks serve anyone in need regardless of income — call ahead if you are unsure.
If you cannot travel to a food bank, ask about mobile pantry distributions, delivery options, or whether a designated person can pick up food on your behalf. Many sites allow proxy pickups with a signed letter.
A Note on Dignity
Food banks in Arizona serve people from every walk of life. A household losing a few hundred dollars a month in SNAP does not simply budget harder. It changes what it eats, where it shops, which bills it waits on, and whether seniors can afford both groceries and their medications.
There is no shame in asking for help. These programs exist because the need is real, widespread, and growing. If you or a senior you know is struggling to put food on the table, the resources listed above are available right now.
Start with Arizona 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone. A live operator can identify the closest and most appropriate resources for your specific situation, county, and needs — any time of day or night.
Resource listings in this article have been verified as of July 2026. Hours, locations, and program availability are subject to change. Always call ahead or visit the organization’s website to confirm current services before making a trip.