Local Resources, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak

Many other groups and websites have posted resources that are available to the Tucson community during this time. Here is a running list that our members felt might be useful to our readers. If you would like add something, please contact us.

Tucson.com - A running list of resources for Tucson-area families

• Feeding sites for children up to age 18
• Childcare resources
• Online learning tools

Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

• What: WIC provides nutritional education and information, breastfeeding support, and healthy foods to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants and children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk and who are at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Who: WIC is available to Arizona's pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants and children under the age of five who are at nutritional risk and who are at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. A pregnant woman is considered two family members. Click here to see the federal poverty guidelines. 
• How: To apply, make an appointment at your local WIC clinic (note: WIC is now offering in-home appointments). To prepare for your appointment, please bring the following for everyone who will be enrolling in the WIC program:
  • Adult identification (ex. driver’s license, photo ID)
  • Child identification (ex. shot record, birth certificate, hospital ID)
  • Proof of income (ex. 30 days of recent paystubs, AHCCCS letter, SNAP letter)
  • Proof of address (ex. mail or bill, driver’s license, mortgage/rent receipt)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• What: SNAP provides low-income individuals with benefits that can be used to purchase food ad grocery stores and some farmers’ markets. SNAP benefits are administered through a debit-like card known as an “EBT card” and can be used like a debit card to purchase food. The dollar amount of SNAP benefits you will receive will depend on your unique circumstances.
• Who: The best way to find out if you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits is to apply.
• How: Apply on the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s website; download the application and return it by mail, fax, or in-person, request an application from your local office or call 855-432-7587 to request that an application be mailed to you; or use Find an Assistor to find someone who will help you with the application process. To apply, you will need the following information: 
  • Proof of citizenship and identity for everyone who is applying for benefits.
  • Alien Registration Cards, if there are non-U.S. citizens applying for benefits in your household.
  • Social Security numbers for everyone, or proof that a Social Security number has been applied for.
  • Proof of relationship, birth certificates may be used
  • Name, address & daytime phone number of landlord or neighbor.
  • A statement verifying your address and the names of everyone living with you. The statement must be made by a non-relative who doesn’t live with you.  It must be signed, dated and include that person's address and telephone number.
  • Proof of ALL money your household received from any source last month and this month.
  • Proof that your employment ended and last date paid.
  • Bank or credit union (savings or checking) complete statement for the most recent month.
  • Proof of savings bonds, securities, retirement plans and life insurance.
  • Proof of rent/mortgage and utility bills (electric, water, gas, etc.) for the most recent month.
  • Proof of child care expenses for the most recent month.
  • Proof of all medical expenses for those applying for benefits who are age 60 or older or receive disability benefits
• Once you have submitted your application, you will be required to complete an interview either over the phone or in-person at your local office.
• You will be deemed eligible or ineligible for SNAP within 30 days of submitting your application. If you are deemed eligible for SNAP benefits, you will receive an EBT card in the mail. The EBT card will be loaded with benefits, which you can use to purchase food the same way you would use a debit card.  
• Governor Ducey has requested permission from the USDA to implement changes that will make it easier for families to obtain SNAP benefits.

National Hunger Hotline

• What: The National Hunger Hotline is a number that anyone can call to learn about resources that can help them obtain food. 
• Who: Anyone can call the Hunger Hotline to get information. 
• How: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE Monday-Friday from 4 a.m. – 7 p.m. MST. The National Hunger Hotline staff will connect you with emergency food providers, government assistance programs, and other social services in your community.

Farmers Markets (No limit on Double Up through 4/30)

• What: Local farmers’ markets accept SNAP benefits, which you can use to purchase food items such as fresh produce, meats, eggs, dairy, and dried beans. Additionally, you can double the amount of SNAP benefits you spend at the farmers’ market when you use your benefits to purchase fresh, Arizona-grown produce. From now through April 30, there is no limit on Double Up Dollars. 
• Who: Anyone who receives SNAP benefits can use their benefits to purchase food at the market. 
• How: Visit the info booth at the farmers’ market to learn how you can use your SNAP benefits at the market. Markets that participate in SNAP and Double Up Dollars include all Heirloom Farmers Markets (please note that the Green Valley Market is currently closed) and the Santa Cruz River Farmers Market, which is currently operating as a drive-up market.  

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

• What: The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona provides grab-and-go meals and emergency food boxes to low-income individuals and families. There is no limit to the number of times you can access a grab-and-go meal. Eligible individuals and families will receive one emergency food box each month. 
• Who: To be eligible to receive an emergency food box, you must meet the income guidelines set by the Department of Economic Security. 
• How: To find where and when you can get a free grab-and-go meal, visit the Caridad Community Meal Sites webpage. To find where you can pick up an emergency food box, please visit the Find Food Today webpage. 

Campus Pantry

• What: The Campus Pantry is a food pantry located on the University of Arizona’s campus. The pantry provides shelf-stable items, dairy, frozen meals, and fresh produce in an effort to alleviate hunger within the University community.  
• Who: Anybody with a Cat Card can get food at the Campus Pantry. 
• How: Bring a bag and your Cat Card with you when you visit the Campus Pantry, which is temporarily located in the Sonora Room in the University of Arizona Student Union. The Campus Pantry is currently open on Tuesday (2 - 4 p.m.), Wednesday (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.), and Friday (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.). 

Pivot Produce Farm to Doorstep Delivery

• What: Pivot Produce is offering free and half-price produce boxes, delivered right to your doorstep.  
• Who: Anybody who is in need of food assistance can sign up to receive a free or half-price produce box. 
• How: Sign up for a “50% off” or “free” produce box on the Pivot Produce website. 

Tucson Food Share/Tucson Mutual Aid

• What: Tucson Food Share is a community collective that provides groceries at no cost to those in need of assistance.  
• Who: Tucson Food Share supports anybody in need of food, including those who:
  • Are already self-isolating because their age and/or medical conditions put them in serious danger if they contract the virus.
  • Can’t afford expensive grocery delivery services, and must either risk exposure or go hungry.
  • Are sick and cannot leave home for fear of infecting others.
  • Can’t afford groceries because of lost work or structural poverty.
  • Are otherwise unable to reliably access nourishing food.
• How: To receive groceries at no cost, go to Tucson Food Share’s pickups at 600 N. 4th Avenue on Mondays from 5 - 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 8 - 10 a.m. To request that groceries be delivered to your home, please email tucsonfoodshare@gmail.com or call 520-222-9242. 

Food Pantries

• What: Food pantries provide dried and canned goods to those in need of food assistance. 
• Who: Each food pantry has its own eligibility requirements. Please contact the food pantry you would like to visit to learn if you’re eligible to get food from them. How: Visit foodpantries.org to find a food pantry in Tucson nearest to you.