Last week, with cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits looming for one million Arizonans, Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Arizona opened a hygiene pantry.
The pantry, located at the organization’s building at 4301 E. Fifth Street, aims to provide essential items such as toothpaste, diapers and feminine hygiene products.
Organizers hope this resource will remain available even after the government shutdown concludes or the SNAP program, also known as food stamps, is funded. As of Monday, the Trump administration said it would fund partial SNAP payments for November after two federal judges ordered it to use a contingency fund. But the administration warned there could be delays in getting benefits to the low-income families that utilize the program.
Jewish Family & Children’s Services reports receiving more than 300 calls each month from individuals seeking assistance with rent, utilities and grocery gift cards when available. Officials have already noted an increased demand for hygiene supplies.
“My hope is that we’ll take some of the pressure off of them, that they know that we’re here for them,” Sophie German, JFCS director of older adults and community services departments, told News 4 Tucson. “I think that mutual aid is something that is really important in general when it comes to social work. But even more when we’re seeing a reduction in funding from the federal government.”
The pantry is accessible to the organization’s clients and staff members, and those in need can contact JFCS to go through an intake process. Currently, the pantry is sustained by staff donations, but German said that JFCS is seeking grant funding. The public is also encouraged to contribute by dropping off items at the front desk or to donate funds here.
JFCS is a beneficiary agency of Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona. Among the JFCS programs that JPSA helps fund is Jewish Emergency Financial Assistance, which helps Jewish individuals with rent/mortgage payments, utilities payments, medical expenses and other emergency needs.
JPSA also supports food packs for students at Homer Davis Elementary School, where nearly 90% of students fall below the poverty line.
Contributions to JEFA and Homer Davis may be made here.
Reprinted from News 4 Tucson. AJP Feature Writer Phyllis Braun contributed to this report.
