Unify Sedona Responds to SNAP Crisis with $8,000 in Emergency Food Relief

SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY] As thousands of Arizona families face food insecurity due to the suspension of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the government shutdown, Unify Sedona Board of Directors is stepping up with $8,000 in emergency donations to local food banks and service organizations.

The funds will provide immediate support to elders, families, and children in need, helping ensure that no one in the Verde Valley is left hungry during this critical time.

Unify Sedona’s donations will be distributed to:

• Manzanita Outreach ($5,000) – serving the entire Sedona/Verde Valley area
• Sedona Community Food Bank ($1,000)
• Sedona Community Center ($1,000)
• Hope House of Sedona ($1,000)

These frontline organizations are already seeing a surge in requests for food assistance.

“We’re distributing food as quickly as it arrives, with little left in reserve. This year, we’ve already served more than 25,000 neighbors—many seeking help for the first time. The SNAP pause reminds us how fragile the safety net can be, and why local solutions matter,” said Kate Morrill, Executive Director of Manzanita Outreach. “Unify Sedona’s swift response shows what’s possible when our community comes together with compassion and purpose.”

Food insecurity affects our most vulnerable neighbors first and hardest. With SNAP benefits having been delayed and only partially funded, many households in Sedona and the Verde Valley are left without the support they rely on to put food on the table. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 40 million Americans—including over 855,000 Arizonans—depend on SNAP.

“This is a moment for our community to rise together,” said Tracey McConnell, Executive Director of Unify Sedona. “No one should go hungry because of a political stalemate. Every dollar, every can of food, every act of kindness matters.”

Governor Katie Hobbs announced on October 29 that she is deploying $1.8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support Arizonans impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits. Local organizations continue to see escalating needs as grocery prices rise and the federal impasse continues.

“We’re proud to support the incredible work of our local food banks and service organizations,” McConnell added. “They are on the front lines ensuring no one in need is turned away.”

How You Can Help

• Donate funds directly to local food banks — even small gifts make a big difference.
• Drop off nonperishable food at community collection sites.
• Spread the word to neighbors, workplaces, and local businesses.
• Volunteer your time — extra hands are needed to meet the surge in demand.

Together, we can make sure our community stands strong through this crisis.

Unify Sedona is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization promoting acceptance and celebrating diversity through education and collaboration. Our four pillars: Non-Discrimination, Youth & Education, Health & Aging, and Transgender Rights. Community We Serve: Sedona/Verde Valley, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Allies, and the greater community. For more information, please contact Executive Director Tracey McConnell at director@unifysedona.org or visit unifysedona.org.