“We can’t allow moms and babies to go hungry,” she said.

Now executive director of Children’s Action Alliance – a nonprofit that advocates for child welfare in Arizona – Contreras said the Arizona Food Bank Network, local food drives and donations would be lifelines if WIC is frozen. - January Contreras, Executive Director 

“This issue with our state not investing with full-on services for our children is making a huge impact. It's a ripple effect,” said Krystyn Paulat, the director of early learning and child education at the Arizona Children’s Action Alliance.

“It does leave us in a vulnerable position when there's such unpredictability at the federal level. Will these programs that people can rely on in their worst moments or in their tough moments, will they be able to stay open? And that causes a lot of, of uncertainty, it causes a lot of nervousness and anxiety.” “WIC is an example. WIC is the Women Infant Children's program. This is designed to help our most vulnerable not go hungry.” – January Contreras

The nearly 100-page audit found that while DCS followed its policies in 97% of cases reviewed in 2024, there were still major shortcomings in the investigative process. “The other truth is we need 100% when it comes to protecting kids,” said January Contreras, executive director of Children’s Action Alliance

“Sometimes group homes are an environment where they feel disconnected from what they know,” said Leanne Murphy from Children's Action Alliance. “Sometimes it feels unsafe. Sometimes it can be a re-traumatizing experience.”

January Contreras, executive director for Children’s Action Alliance, told the crowd that times are tough already with the high cost of groceries and housing, and that the bill will make things even more difficult for families: “We will see hunger become a reality for more kids and families, and we will see more families not be able to go to a doctor,” she said. 

January Contreras, executive director of the Children’s Action Alliance, warned that the new eligibility requirements for SNAP and Medicaid are thinly veiled attempts to push people off the programs. “A parent who has two or three jobs will not be able to keep up with the paperwork requirements,” Contreras said. “It has a record of making eligible people lose their insurance. How do you look a child or a parent in the eye and tell them that they may lose health care insurance or help with buying groceries, just as economic uncertainty and the cost of raising a family are rising sky high?” Contreras said.

• “This bill ‘saves money’ by adding red tape that forces people off health care and SNAP,” said Burns. “But the health care and food needs of Arizonans won’t go away. Instead, all Arizonans will suffer.” - Jennifer Burns, Health Policy and Government Relations Director
• Geraldine Miranda, the Economic Policy Analyst with the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, worries that cuts to SNAP will impact Arizona children both at home and at school.

“Many children who would otherwise be uninsured find a lifeline through public health insurance. In Arizona, 40% of people enrolled in AHCCCS are children. AHCCCS coverage through Medicaid and KidsCare is especially crucial in the many small towns and rural areas of our state, where it provides health insurance to more than half of children. For example, 42% of all children in Cochise County have public health insurance coverage.” Op Ed by January Contreras, Executive Director of Children’s Action Alliance