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Local food-center leaders warn council SNAP and state changes could worsen hunger in Flagstaff
Summary
Flagstaff Family Food Center staff told the City Council that federal and state policy changes to SNAP and program administration are increasing local demand and creating confusion for clients; they urged the council to amplify resources and help with outreach.
Speakers from Flagstaff Family Food Center told the City Council during open call that recent federal proposals and state-level rules may reduce SNAP eligibility and benefits, increasing food insecurity in Flagstaff.
Talisa Barr, a dietetic intern and graduate student, said expanding work requirements and changes to benefit calculations tied to HR1 could strip support from caregivers, veterans, people experiencing homelessness, older adults and parents, and could reduce SNAP purchasing power as food prices rise. She cited the food center's record single-day caseloads in 2025 and asked council to help amplify assistance and resource navigation.
Summer Grandy, the food center's director of community impact, provided data showing nearly 16,000 families served and more than 107,000 meals prepared across January and February, representing a 32.5% increase year over year. She said Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) responses to federal changes have been slow and confusing, leaving clients with delayed applications or sudden case closures.
Both presenters urged local leadership to support food-bank capacity, outreach and policy advocacy. Council members asked staff to accept speakers' materials and to work with the food center on ways the city can amplify community resources and messaging.
