Arizona Secretary of State and Local First Arizona Launch Website Promoting Businesses Helping Arizonans Affected by SNAP Pause

PHOENIX – The Arizona Secretary of State’s Office and Local First Arizona today announced the launch of a new website and social media campaign highlighting local businesses that are stepping up to help Arizonans who will lose access to federal food benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Beginning November 1, nearly one million Arizonans will not receive their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits after the federal government’s shutdown halted funding. In response, the Secretary of State’s Office has partnered with Local First Arizona to showcase local businesses that are offering free or discounted meals, donation-match programs, and other forms of community support to help bridge the gap.

“When government fails, Arizonans step up,” said Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. “Our small businesses are the backbone of this state, and they’re showing what community really means—helping our neighbors get through this pause with dignity and compassion.” The new website — azsos.gov/az-snap-support — lists participating businesses by city and category, with direct links to their special offers, donation pages, and programs. Businesses can also join the initiative through a simple online form to have their efforts promoted on the site and across state and local social media channels.

Among the first participants is Lovebite Dumplings, a Phoenix restaurant on Roosevelt Row offering a “pay-it-forward” lunch program that allows customers to donate a $13 meal to someone affected by the SNAP pause.

“No one should go hungry just because politicians can’t agree,” said Angel Gould, owner of Lovebite Dumplings. “We’re proud to be part of a community that takes care of each other.”

The website includes:

· A searchable directory of participating Arizona businesses

· Video stories featuring business owners and community members

· Links to statewide food-assistance resources and donation opportunities

· A business sign-up form for new participants

Local First Arizona CEO Kimber Lanning praised the effort as an example of community resilience.

“Local businesses aren’t just places to eat or shop, they’re the fabric of our communities,” Lanning said. "We stand with the food banks, mutual aid groups, farms, restaurants and community advocates that are stepping in to fill the gaps and ensure families have access to healthy, nourishing food when they need it most."

Miracle Mile Deli is among the local restaurants and retailers helping families impacted by the shutdown.

“Being a part of the Valley community for over seven decades, the Miracle Mile Deli family has always supported the community for those in need,” said Josh Garcia, Vice President of Miracle Mile Deli. “We feel like this is our duty to use whatever platforms possible to encourage people to give what they can and let’s lend a helping hand to local families that need food on the table.”

The new site and social media campaign is a statewide effort and aims to centralize those efforts and make it easier for residents to find and support participating businesses.

Kingfisher Bar & Grill in Tucson is among the growing number of businesses across the state participating.

“Starting November 2nd, we’ll be working on our day off, to give out 250-300 free meals for any who needs a free hot meal every Sunday until we can’t do it anymore,” said Jacki Kuder, chef and owner of Kingfisher.

How to Participate

 · Visit: azsos.gov/az-snap-support to find participating businesses or donate to programs providing meals to Arizonans affected by the pause.

· Follow and share: Use #AZSNAPSupport on social media to help spread the word.