PROVO, Utah — With SNAP benefits having already run out for thousands of Utahns, places like the Provo food pantry are actually extending their hours to help those in me, and that need continues to grow.

For folks like Taylor Herrera, it’s the first time she’s ever been to a food pantry and says it’s due to the government shutdown.

“I’m here because our SNAP benefits are cut off. So it’s kinda hard and it’s been a struggle, especially since a lot of us are already been struggling.”

Taylor’s story is becoming more common at the Provo food pantry.

That’s according to Tom Hogan, CEO of the Community Action Services Food Bank.

“We’re not meant to be the grocery store that you go to. We’re meant to be that two or three trips in your life.”

Hogan says they served over 300 families, one of

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