Grandmother Waits Months for Food Assistance Amid DES Delays

Arizona families face extended delays in receiving nutrition benefits due to backlog at state's Department of Economic Security

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Patricia Lamb, a Tucson grandmother raising two grandchildren, has been waiting months for her food assistance renewal application to be processed by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), leaving her family without benefits since Thanksgiving. Lamb's case highlights the broader issue of lengthy delays families across the state are facing in receiving critical nutrition aid.

Why it matters

The delays in processing food assistance renewals have left many Arizona families, including vulnerable populations like the elderly and children, without access to essential nutrition for extended periods. This raises concerns about food insecurity and the ability of the state's social safety net to adequately support those in need.

The details

Lamb submitted her renewal application in late October but says it is still being processed, with the DES office telling her they are running about 120 days behind. Without her food benefits since Thanksgiving, Lamb has had to rely on support from her local food bank and family members to feed her grandchildren. In late December, Governor Katie Hobbs approved $7.5 million in funding to hire temporary workers and address the backlog, but DES has not released data on how many renewal applications are currently delayed.

  • Lamb submitted her renewal application in late October 2025.
  • Lamb last received food assistance just before Thanksgiving 2025.
  • Lamb visited the DES office about two weeks ago and was told they are running about 120 days behind on processing applications.
  • Governor Hobbs approved $7.5 million in funding to address the backlog in late December 2025.

The players

Patricia Lamb

A Tucson grandmother raising two grandchildren who has been waiting months for her food assistance renewal application to be processed by the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

Governor Katie Hobbs

The governor of Arizona who approved $7.5 million in funding to hire temporary workers and address the backlog of food assistance renewal applications at the state's Department of Economic Security.

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)

The state agency responsible for processing food assistance renewal applications, which is currently facing a significant backlog that has left many Arizona families without critical nutrition aid for extended periods.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The person at the front desk said, 'Oh, we're running about 120 days behind.' I'm like, holy cow, what are all these families doing?”

— Patricia Lamb, Grandmother (KGUN9)

“In the meantime, these poor families are, you know, they're starving. It's very disheartening.”

— Patricia Lamb, Grandmother (KGUN9)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant challenges facing Arizona's social safety net, as vulnerable families are left without access to essential nutrition assistance for months due to bureaucratic delays. It underscores the need for the state to invest in and streamline its food assistance programs to ensure timely support for those in need.