SALT LAKE CITY — As the clock ticks down towards many Utahns losing their SNAP benefits due to the prolonged government shutdown, the state announced Thursday that it is committing up to $4 million to local food banks to help feed those in need.
Should the shutdown continue, SNAP benefits will end Saturday. Without the ability to use food stamps at grocery stores, food banks have become essential to those who cannot afford to buy meals.
"Washington has failed to do its job," said Gov. Spencer Cox. "Utah is stepping up so families, especially those in rural communities, can keep food on the table."
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The Office of Planning and Budget will oversee the distribution of funds, with the Utah Food Bank, which serves 29 counties, receiving $500,000 immediately. Additional allocations of $500,000 to come each week until the $4 million level is reached.
“This will allow us to really take a good look at every county, at the families that are SNAP recipients, and then we have federal employees as well that are being affected with no paychecks,” said Ginette Bott, President & CEO of the Utah Food Bank.
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Bott admitted to being surprised and humbled by this plan. The food bank expects it will have a strong ripple effect into the more than 300 pantries and partners they support, which helps families in need from large cities to rural communities.
“We recognize that the number that’s going to increase is going to be astronomical … and so we all have to be prepared," she said. "That’s what this money will do … is allow us to have that additional product and get it to those pantries.”
Cox and other Utah leaders implored Congress to "stop the political games" and come up with a resolution to the shutdown, which has lasted 30 days.
While those associated with the Utah Food Bank are grateful for the state’s support, they still encourage Utahns to join in on the collaborative effort by donating food or contributing whatever is possible.
