Updated Nov. 10, 2025
Nonprofit food banks, churches, private citizens and at least one major local business are attempting to meet a surge in hunger in Eastern Santa Cruz County brought on by the sudden halt on Nov. 1 of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the federal government’s anti-hunger initiative that serves over 850,000 low-income Arizonans.
Here is a round-up of organized efforts in our region offering free food to those in need that we are aware of at this time:
1. East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank
The Food Bank will conduct an EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION for those who have lost their SNAP benefits on Saturday, November 15, from 8:30am to 10:30am at the food bank, 772 Harshaw Ave, Patagonia, AZ.
This distribution is limited to individuals and families that have lost their SNAP benefits for November.
This emergency distribution was sparked by a 25% increase in demand during our regular monthly food distribution for November. Future emergency food distributions will be scheduled as the need arises.
Fresh vegetables are distributed every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the Patagonia Senior Center, 100 Quiroga Lane, Patagonia. Those in need, as well as community members in general, are invited to pick up vegetables and, if possible, make a donation.
Emergency food is available by calling the food bank at: 520.302.4450.
2. Vera Earl Ranch Store
Do you usually receive SNAP benefits? Or know someone who does? Please know that Vera Earl wants to ensure no one goes hungry during this time. Anyone needing food assistance, with a valid SNAP card in-hand, can stop by the store [3282 AZ-82, Sonoita] once per week to receive up to 3 lbs of certain cuts of beef – NO QUESTIONS ASKED.”
3. The Vine Church Community Food Pantry
Please contact the PRT at prtadast@gmail.com if you have information on other organized anti-hunger efforts in our area.
Also: Borderlands’ Produce on Wheels program offers 70 lbs of rescued fresh produce for $15 on the third Saturday of every month at the Vine Church in Sonoita. The next distribution is Saturday, Nov. 15. Here is the information:
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for this Sonoita Produce on Wheels (POWWOW)!
If you’d like to lend a hand, this is what you would be doing… Sorting and Packing fresh produce, and assisting participants as they go through our farmer’s market style line. The shifts are 6:30 – 9:30 AM AND/OR 8:30 – 11:30 AM. *Those who volunteer for a shift will receive a complimentary unit of produce.
If you’d like to give back to your community in this way, please call/text gardenia 602.292.1616 and let us know which dates and shifts you’re able to volunteer. Thank you all in advance! What we do, we do together! GM
The NEW Season begins SATURDAY, November 15th Sonoita Produce on Wheels & Local Market, at the VINE Church 8-11 AM
Borderlands POWWOW in Sonoita, AZ is always on the third Saturday of the month. At the same time, we have Local Marketside vendors. At our local market, you’ll find wonderful homemade goodies/coffee/breads/jams, and gift items. If you’d like to share your handcrafted or homemade local goods at the market, we’d love to have you. – please text/call gardenia at 602.292.1616 to reserve a No-Fee spot.
*At POWWOW it is a $15 contribution for 70 LBS of produce. No residential or income requirements.
If you’d like to join the Community Volunteer Team or become a Market Vendor, please text/call gardenia 602.292.1616.
AND if you know of any youth in the community who would like or need volunteer hours, we can provide documentation for those who would like to volunteer ;D
Follow @SonoitaAZCommunityMarket on FB & IG to see our Veggie Varieties Friday afternoon!