Food pantries anticipating surge in community need due to loss of SNAP benefits

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Community Action Services and Food Bank (CASFB) is preparing for a rise in community need following the loss of SNAP (food stamps) benefits.

According to CASFB, more than 11,800 households across Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties are losing SNAP benefits.

Currently, CASFB shared that the organization receives an average of 20,000 pounds of food per day. If households that lose SNAP benefits turn to CASFB’s food network for help, the organization estimates that their daily food distribution will increase. A 33% to 50% increase is expected.

“SNAP benefits are what keeps the pantry from going bare. Losing that support means turning to us, and we are determined to be ready,” said Tom Hogan, CEO of Community Action Services and Food Bank.

CASFB is looking for donations and volunteers to ensure the community does not go hungry. The organization shared that it has a goal of raising 70,000 pounds of food for its pantries and its partners by Nov. 1.

“Meeting this increased need will require a united community effort,” Hogan added. “We need help—through food drives, financial gifts, and volunteer hours—to make sure no one in our community goes hungry during the pause of SNAP Benefits. Every donation helps us turn uncertainty into hope.”

To learn more about how to help, visit the CASFB website.