How to Help Meet the Urgent Need for Food Due to Loss of SNAP Benefits from the Government Shutdown?

Provo, Utah (October 2025) – Community Action Services and Food Bank (CASFB) is preparing for a surge in community need following the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to more than 11,800 households across Utah, Wasatch, and Summit counties due to the government shutdown. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2023- 55% of households with children receiving SNAP benefits are employed. This indicates that many of our hard-working neighbors aren’t able to afford food.

CASFB currently distributes an average of 20,000 pounds of food per day. If one-third to one-half of the households losing SNAP assistance turn to CASFB’s food network for help, we estimate our daily food distribution will increase to 26,600 and 30,000 pounds of food per day — a 33% to 50% increase.

“This is more than a data point—it’s a glimpse into what thousands of families in our community may face,” said Tom Hogan, CEO of Community Action Services and Food Bank. “SNAP benefits are what keeps the pantry from going bare. Losing that support means turning to us, and we are determined to be ready.”

CASFB operates food pantries in Provo, Oakley, Coalville, and Heber, and supports over 100 partner agencies, schools, and senior centers throughout the tri-county area.

“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.”

With the goal of raising 70,000 pounds of food each week for CASFB’s pantries and its partners until SNAP benefits resume, community members, businesses, faith groups, and civic organizations are encouraged to donate funds, organize food drives, and volunteer. You can drop off food donations at CASFB’s Provo location (815 S. Freedom Blvd.) Find out more about financial donations and volunteering on our website casfb.org.