Utah Food Banks Receive Surge of Donations Amid SNAP Benefit Uncertainty

In November 2025, as the Trump administration struggles to provide partial SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during the ongoing government shutdown, food banks and pantries in Utah are facing a complex situation. While they are receiving an outpouring of community support in the form of increased donations and volunteers, they are also seeing a significant rise in the number of people seeking assistance.

The executive director of the Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake City, Glenn Bailey, reports that the line at their downtown pantry this morning was the longest he has ever seen. Many of those waiting were discussing stocking up on staples, worried that they may not receive their SNAP benefits this month. Ginette Bott, the executive director of the Utah Food Bank, echoes this sentiment, stating that the delay in getting the partial SNAP payments to people will likely cause a "really difficult month of November" for many families.

Despite Utah having the second-lowest share of residents who use SNAP benefits, at around 5% of households, the food banks are still facing a surge in demand. The state's average per capita value of SNAP benefits is $192.17, and a lower benefit could mean individuals receiving less than $100 for the month's food.

However, the food banks are not facing this challenge alone. Bott says that the community in Utah has stepped up, with dozens of people organizing food drives and monetary donations reaching "incredible" levels. The governor's office has also provided the opportunity to work with the Utah Food Bank on purchasing up to $4 million worth of food to help meet the increased need.

As the situation continues to unfold, the food banks are working tirelessly to get ahead of the requests and ensure that the shelves are stocked for those in need. But Bott warns that the support needs to be continuous, as the food bank could easily find itself needing extra help again very soon.