As federal SNAP benefits face reductions beginning November 1, millions of Americans are preparing for uncertain access to food. In Southern Arizona, families are already feeling the impact — and local volunteers are being called to step up to bridge the gap.

The Community Care Drive, a new Tucson-based initiative, is piloting a grassroots solution to connect neighbors who need food and essentials with volunteers in their own zip codes. Founder Stephanie Joyce, who lived in Tucson for 7 years and a former AmeriCorps volunteer, launched the platform as a modern, inclusive approach to mutual aid: a “NextDoor meets Meals-on-Wheels,” open to all ages, pets included, and designed to provide immediate relief when traditional food banks run low.

“There’s no justice — it’s JUST US,” Joyce says. “But we can’t do it alone. We need volunteers to join us so no family goes hungry.”

A Pilot in Action

The pilot program has already received five requests from Tucson families—single mothers with children, pets, and special dietary needs, including one with Type 1 diabetes. Families can submit requests weekly or every two weeks, and volunteers can respond by donating directly or “adopting a family” via Amazon Prime.

Watch the explainer video here to see how Community Care connects neighbors and ensures help is delivered with dignity and privacy.

Urgency in Action

While the federal courts have ordered former President Trump to respond by Monday, November 3, at 12 PM EST regarding emergency SNAP funding, it remains uncertain if or when EBT cards will be loaded. Community Care Drive seeks to provide immediate relief for Tucson families during this gap, but success depends on volunteers stepping up in each zip code.

Local food-bank leaders, including Community Care Tucson, have already indicated that supplies may run short. “We were inspired by their foresight and the community spirit we saw in Southern Arizona,” Joyce explains. “This is about neighbors lifting neighbors — but only if we have enough hands to make it happen.”

How to Participate

Residents can help by:

• Donating: Non-perishable foods, baby supplies, or pet essentials.
• Volunteering: Delivering items to families in need.
• Adopting a Family: Weekly or biweekly contributions via Amazon Prime or other methods.

Sign up or submit a request here.

Community Care Drive aims to expand across Tucson neighborhoods, faith communities, and service organizations — all while preserving dignity, accessibility, and connection.

“This isn’t charity,” Joyce emphasizes. “It’s collaboration. With enough volunteers, we can ensure no one in our community goes hungry when help is most needed.”

Community Care Drive is more than a service — it’s a movement, reminding us that while government support is critical, the heart of a resilient community is its people.

As federal SNAP benefits face reductions beginning November 1, millions of Americans are preparing for uncertain access to food. In Southern Arizona, families are already feeling the impact — and local volunteers are being called to step up to bridge the gap.

The Community Care Drive, a new Tucson-based initiative, is piloting a grassroots solution to connect neighbors who need food and essentials with volunteers in their own zip codes. Founder Stephanie Joyce, who lived in Tucson for 7 years and a former AmeriCorps volunteer, launched the platform as a modern, inclusive approach to mutual aid: a “NextDoor meets Meals-on-Wheels,” open to all ages, pets included, and designed to provide immediate relief when traditional food banks run low.

“There’s no justice — it’s JUST US,” Joyce says. “But we can’t do it alone. We need volunteers to join us so no family goes hungry.”

A Pilot in Action

The pilot program has already received five requests from Tucson families—single mothers with children, pets, and special dietary needs, including one with Type 1 diabetes. Families can submit requests weekly or every two weeks, and volunteers can respond by donating directly or “adopting a family” via Amazon Prime.

Watch the explainer video here to see how Community Care connects neighbors and ensures help is delivered with dignity and privacy.

Urgency in Action

While the federal courts have ordered former President Trump to respond by Monday, November 3, at 12 PM EST regarding emergency SNAP funding, it remains uncertain if or when EBT cards will be loaded. Community Care Drive seeks to provide immediate relief for Tucson families during this gap, but success depends on volunteers stepping up in each zip code.

Local food-bank leaders, including Community Care Tucson, have already indicated that supplies may run short. “We were inspired by their foresight and the community spirit we saw in Southern Arizona,” Joyce explains. “This is about neighbors lifting neighbors — but only if we have enough hands to make it happen.”

How to Participate

Residents can help by:

• Donating: Non-perishable foods, baby supplies, or pet essentials.
• Volunteering: Delivering items to families in need.
• Adopting a Family: Weekly or biweekly contributions via Amazon Prime or other methods.

Sign up or submit a request here.

Community Care Drive aims to expand across Tucson neighborhoods, faith communities, and service organizations — all while preserving dignity, accessibility, and connection.

“This isn’t charity,” Joyce emphasizes. “It’s collaboration. With enough volunteers, we can ensure no one in our community goes hungry when help is most needed.”

Community Care Drive is more than a service — it’s a movement, reminding us that while government support is critical, the heart of a resilient community is its people.