Food aid cuts fuel anger ahead of Arizona midterms

A 67-year-old widow in Arizona fills a shopping cart with meat, tomatoes, and zucchini at a local food bank. She has done this every month since President Donald Trump's administration cut federal food assistance programs. The cuts took effect in January under a budget law that pushed five million people nationwide out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In Arizona alone, more than 465,000 beneficiaries lost access to the benefits. That group includes 200,000 children. The state has seen the sharpest impact from the federal reductions.

Christine, the widow, said she relies on the monthly charity to complete her modest pension and keep her family fed. Half of her pension goes toward rent. Inflation, which has risen due to the war against Iran, has made her financial situation more precarious. She said the government does not care about people like her. Natalie Jayroe, who leads the South Arizona Community Food Bank, said her network is serving 50,000 more people this year than usual because of the federal cuts. She noted that many residents, including some who voted for the current administration, are angry about the changes.

The midterms are scheduled for November 3. Two races for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona are competitive. The Republican majority in the chamber is at risk in this state. One district covers part of Tucson. Democratic candidate Joanna Mendoza is campaigning on the issue of purchasing power. She emphasized that she grew up in a home that needed food stamps. Her Republican opponent, incumbent Juan Ciscomani, is seeking reelection. He is trying to distance himself from President Trump and promised he will not be a puppet for anyone.

Oscar Ochoa, a 65-year-old military veteran, lost his food stamp benefits. He had to return to work as a bus driver after retiring. He voted by mail and described his ballot as completely blue. He believes the budget law only enriched the rich and included tax cuts for millionaires. Angélica García, a 45-year-old receptionist, waited more than two months to process her SNAP case during a brief period of unemployment. Her daughters, ages 14 and 22, ate rice, beans, and pasta while they waited. She said the government has made things harder for people. She used to lean left but did not follow politics closely. Now, she is urging her neighbors to vote on November 3 to make their voices heard.