AMERICAN FORK — As the federal government shutdown drags on, approximately 86,000 Utah families are expected to lose access to SNAP food benefits starting Nov. 1. With that deadline just days away, community groups are stepping up to help fill the gap.
One such effort is being led by Indivisible Utah County, a local branch of a national grassroots organization. Organizers said they quickly pulled together a food drive over the weekend, recognizing the urgent need many families will face.
The group will be collecting donations this Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rotary Park in American Fork, located at 400 South and 200 East. All donated items will be delivered to Tabitha's Way food pantry in Pleasant Grove.
"We know SNAP runs out for people at the end of the month," Sarah McConkie, with Utah County Indivisible, said. "All of a sudden, some families who've relied on that assistance won't have access to it anymore. That's a pretty scary thing, especially if you've got kids."
The Utah Food Bank has already stated it is not equipped to meet the increased demand that will result from the loss of SNAP benefits. That's why groups like Indivisible Utah County are prioritizing donations of:
- Boxed meals
- Baking items
- Healthy snacks
- Condiments
- Diapers (sizes 5 and 6)
If you can't make it to the Saturday event, organizers encourage you to donate to your local food pantry, which will likely see a surge in need.
"It's disheartening and pretty sad," McConkie said. "This isn't just happening somewhere else, it's happening right here in Utah County. It's ordinary people we know and love who are being affected."
The effort is just one example of how Utahns are coming together to support their neighbors during a time of uncertainty.
