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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT |
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The Arizona Statewide Food Action Plan will be Officially Launched at the Arizona Food Summit! |
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Federal Policy Updates
The Federal Budget
Congress is currently working on the budget that will fund the federal government through the end of September. Pinnacle Prevention joins a long list of hunger advocates who are disappointed that the extension of child nutrition waivers was not included in the Senate’s spending bill. These waivers are critical to ensuring schools have the flexibility to provide meals to children as early as this summer. Most schools are still facing ongoing supply chain disruptions and staffing shortages, and without extending these critical waivers, they will expire on June 30, 2022. Click here to urge your members of congress to extend these important waivers.
LFPA
The Arizona Department of Economic Security will be applying on behalf of the state for the nearly $6 million allocated to Arizona for this program. In February, in collaboration with the Arizona Food Bank Network, Partnership with Native Americans, and Intertribal Agriculture Council, the Arizona Food Systems Network hosted a series of listening sessions to hear from local food producers, distributors, and community members to help inform the statewide approach and design for Arizona’s program. The deadline for state applications was recently extended to May 6, 2022.
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State Policy Updates
Restoring SNAP Access for those with drug-related felony convictions
We are proud to join the Arizona Food Bank Network in supporting HB2060, which removes state eligibility requirements that prevent individuals with prior felony drug-related offenses from accessing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In removing the residual punishment of not being able to access food assistance, HB 2060 helps those that have spent time in prison successfully re-enter society and reduces chances of recidivism. HB 2060 passed the House floor vote (44-15-1) and now is making its way to Senate committees.
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Recreation Bills
For the second year in a row, Pinnacle Prevention is excited to support appropriations to the Arizona State Parks Heritage fund, which supports local, regional and state parks as well as historic preservation, trails and outdoor/environmental education. Last year, one-time funding from the State General Fund was approved to restore dollars to the Heritage Fund for the first time since the Great Recession. This year, SB1270 would appropriate ongoing annual funding from the fund’s original source, the State Lottery Fund. The bill had almost unanimous support in the Senate and is making its way to the House.
Related: SCR1010, a resolution with vast support from the legislature for Arizona outdoor recreation has almost crossed the finish line. Here’s a snippet of the resolution: “Members of the Legislature recognize that it is critical for the physical, mental and social well-being of Arizona's residents that the state promote healthy, active lifestyles filled with outdoor experiences of all types for Arizona residents.”
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The Farmers Market Nutrition Program expands to Bisbee |
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The Bisbee Saturday Market is the Farmers Market Nutrition Program’s newest location to offer FMNP coupons to seniors and local families participating in WIC. Located at Vista Park in Bisbee, this is a new farmers market that opened in early fall of 2021 and has been quickly growing since its inception. In the words of Market Manager Tracy Taylor, “For Bisbee- especially the Warren district- easy access to healthy food is paramount. The reason we started this market was to provide food access to the community.”
In addition to issuing and accepting FMNP coupons, the market is also authorized for SNAP transactions, furthering the mission to welcome and provide options for low-income shoppers. It’s especially meaningful because this is the first time in recent history that the Bisbee community has had a farmers market that hosts these nutrition assistance programs.
We welcome the Bisbee Saturday Market to the FMNP network and are grateful for their partnership to serve seniors and families, uplift Arizona farmers, and create important community gathering spaces.
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Things We are Excited About
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USDA’s Alphabet Soup of Funding Opportunities |
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We're thrilled to see our friends at Living Streets Alliance welcoming back this in-person event after 2 years! |
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Double Up Food Bucks is a “buy-one get-one” program that helps SNAP customers stretch their food dollars and buy more fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, grocery stores and more!
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The Arizona Food Systems Network is a community of local, state and regional food systems advocates, practitioners and leaders who have a vested interest in collaborating to improve the food system for all Arizonans.
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Seeds to Grow supports the heart of our food system with seed funding for farm equipment and essentials for small farmers.
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Pots to Love program provides slow cookers, toaster ovens, and other kitchen necessities to seniors and young families who need the proper tools to prepare their meals.
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By completing the form linked below, you'll be entered into our secure, coordinated network of community resources, powered by Unite Us, that is available to help. A specialist will contact you after you submit the form. |
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