86,000 Utah families could lose food benefits. Will the state cover the cost?

KEY POINTS

Utah Legislature won't backfill lapsed food stamp funding during shutdown.

86,000 households rely on SNAP benefits, totaling $33 million each month.

Utah charities asking for food bank donations as demand expected to rise.

As tens of thousands of state residents stand to lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Payments, state officials say they won’t backfill the lost federal funds, but are looking for ways to help those in need.

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams said if the shutdown persists it is “unrealistic” for the state to provide the $33 million needed to fully fund SNAP in November for the 86,000 households and 177,000 individuals in Utah who rely on it for food subsidies.

But, he said, lawmakers are looking for ways to help those who rely on the program for