- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Willcox Today
By the People, for the People
Arizona Food Pantries Struggle to Meet Surging Demand Amid High Grocery Costs
Inflation and unemployment continue to impact residents, with one pantry seeing a 250-family single-day spike in need.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Arizona's food pantries are working overtime to meet surging demand as high grocery prices and unemployment continue to affect residents. The Willcox Community Food Pantry in Cochise County reported feeding 250 families in a single morning, well above its usual 300 families per week. Directors say they expect the problem to continue as inflation shows no signs of slowing down.
Why it matters
The strain on food pantries highlights the broader economic challenges facing many Arizona residents, with high grocery prices and persistent unemployment driving increased need for emergency food assistance. This issue reflects a national trend, with food waste and inefficient distribution systems contributing to the problem.
The details
The Willcox Community Food Pantry's director, Nell Worden, said she tries to be as frugal as possible in purchasing food, watching prices and sales closely. However, she noted that the pantry still needs more donations to keep up with demand. The countywide unemployment rate in Cochise County remains elevated compared to the state average, contributing to the increased need.
- In mid-January, the Willcox Community Food Pantry fed 250 families in a single morning.
- The countywide unemployment rate in Cochise County dropped from 5.3% in November to 4.9% in December, still 0.6 percentage points higher than December 2024 and 0.9 points above the state average.
The players
Nell Worden
Director of the Willcox Community Food Pantry in Cochise County, Arizona.
Willcox Community Food Pantry
A food pantry in Cochise County, Arizona that has seen a significant increase in demand for its services amid high grocery prices and unemployment.
What they’re saying
“I don't see inflation going down, so I don't see that number going down.”
— Nell Worden, Director, Willcox Community Food Pantry (KGUN 9)
“I try to go and buy as cheaply as I can. I try to watch all the prices. I try to watch all the sales, and I try to be very frugal with the money that we get. We still need food to be brought in. We still need donations to be brought in.”
— Nell Worden, Director, Willcox Community Food Pantry (KGUN 9)
What’s next
The countywide unemployment rate in Cochise County will be closely watched in the coming months to see if it continues to decline and potentially ease the strain on local food pantries.
The takeaway
The surge in demand at Arizona food pantries underscores the significant economic challenges facing many residents, with high grocery prices and persistent unemployment driving increased need for emergency food assistance. This issue reflects a broader national trend, highlighting the importance of addressing food waste, improving distribution systems, and supporting those struggling with the rising cost of living.
