ICYMI: Courage for America, Honest Arizona, Arizona Students’ Association Host “Back Off Our Benefits: Food Drive”; Collected 100+ Donations for Vista del Camino Food Bank
Local residents collected food donations amidst threats to food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Courage for America, Honest Arizona and the Arizona Students’ Association hosted a “Back Off Our Benefits: Food Drive” to collect food for the residents of AZ-01 as threats to food assistance programs endanger food security ahead of the holiday season. 104 cans and food donations were donated during the food drive hosted at Hula’s Modern Tiki.
“The holiday season is here, and families are going to need help from their friends, their community, but most of all, their elected leaders,” said Andrea Moreno, Executive Director of Honest Arizona. “Congressman Schweikert voted to cut nutrition assistance, something so many low-income Arizonans rely on to buy food, especially now. He needs to stop voting against his constituents in need.”
“Food insecurity is far too common among communities like Scottsdale where many families rely on programs like SNAP to put food on the table, especially during the holiday season,” said José Morales Jr., spokesperson for Courage for America. “The residents of AZ-01 showed up yesterday, donating over 100 cans and other necessities to ensure their neighbors are cared for this holiday season. But the reality is, they should not have to do this alone. The Scottsdale community deserves a Congressman who will look out for them. That’s why Courage for America and all who showed up yesterday are calling on Representative Schweikert to back off our benefits and stop threatening food assistance programs.”
(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)
(Cans and other donated products at Hula’s Modern Tiki)
(Constituents of AZ-01 attending “Back Off Our Benefits: Food Drive”)
(AZ-01 constituents participate in the food drive)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
- 42,128 (14.7%) AZ-01 households rely on SNAP benefits for nutrition assistance.
- In September 2023, Rep. Schweikert voted for the Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill which would cut $32 billion in SNAP funding and cut the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) by $800 million.
- In April 2023, Rep. Schweikert voted for the Default on America Act (Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023), which would have led to 275,000 people losing SNAP benefits in an average month, and 19,000 seeing reduced monthly benefits.
To speak with a Courage for America spokesperson, contact [email protected]
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