- Catholic Community Services needs support as 86,000 Utah families face SNAP benefit loss on Nov. 1.
- Donations of food, hygiene products and volunteers are needed to meet increased demand.
OGDEN — With the federal government shutdown still underway, an estimated 86,000 Utah families are bracing for the loss of SNAP food benefits starting Nov. 1. Catholic Community Services is sounding the alarm, asking for urgent help to meet the growing demand at its food pantries.
At its Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, Catholic Community Services has already seen an increase in families seeking assistance. Over the past month, it has served more than 120 households, and it expects that number to climb sharply.
Nunzuta Apodaca came to the Catholic Community Services food bank for the first time today, after realizing her SNAP benefits could come to a halt in just a few days. She's on disability and is only able to work a couple of days a week while supporting several other family members.
"I didn't know what to do," Apodaca said. "And so, I'm grateful to see everything they're giving me here. I'm appreciative. It's in God's hands now, you know?"
Randy Chappell, director of basic needs at Catholic Community Services, said the organization currently serves around 1,700 households monthly. But with SNAP benefits ending, he anticipates a surge in demand unlike anything the organization has seen since the pandemic.
"We've already seen an influx of individuals who are scared and worried about what's going to happen next month," Chappell said. "A lot of things changed when COVID came around. This is a little different. You know, I feel like a lot more individuals that are going to be going hungry."
To help meet the need, Catholic Community Services is asking for donations of:
- Nonperishable food items
- Personal hygiene products
- Diapers
- Monetary contributions
Donations can be dropped off at the Catholic Community Services food bank in Ogden on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Chappell adds that the organization will likely need more volunteers to help with the increased demand. A complete list of its needs can be found here.
