Utahns can still use SNAP balance after Nov. 1, officials say

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — While Utahns are expected to feel the effects of the loss of SNAP (food stamps) benefits in Nov., the Utah Dept. of Workforce Services says you will be able to make purchases after Nov. 1 with your current SNAP balance.

“If you have a balance in your SNAP account from a prior month, you will be able to make purchases with it after Nov. 1,” the department said in an update Saturday morning.

On Wednesday, state officials announced that SNAP benefits will not be paid in Nov. due to interruptions from the government shutdown, which is now in its fourth week. However, the Utah Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in Utah will continue to be available because of contingency funds.

“Due to the federal government shutdown, payments for SNAP (food stamps) will not be issued in November,” the Utah Dept. of Workforces said in a press release on Wednesday.

While the department initially said there was a chance members’ cards would not work after Nov. 1, even with a balance, that is no longer the case.

More than 11,800 households across Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties are losing SNAP benefits amid a government shutdown entering its fourth week, according to Community Action Services and Food Bank (CASFB). This organization is preparing for a rise in community needs following the loss of SNAP benefits.

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

You can visit their website here to help.