Arizona SNAP Rolls Drop Amid New Paperwork Burdens

Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is seeing a sharp decline in benefit rolls. The drop coincides with an influx of new paperwork requirements for applicants. Many eligible residents are losing food stamp assistance as a result. State officials are trying to avoid recent federal penalties. The situation may foreshadow similar trends across the country. Federal penalties motivate states to tighten eligibility verification. The reduction in rolls raises concerns about food insecurity. Advocacy groups warn the paperwork burden could exacerbate hunger.