AMERICAN FORK, Utah — As the federal government shutdown continues with no resolution in sight, an estimated 86,000 Utah families are on the verge of losing SNAP food assistance starting November 1. With that deadline just days away, local organizations are stepping up to make sure struggling households don’t go hungry.
One such effort is being led by Indivisible Utah County, a grassroots community group that organized an emergency food drive after learning that federal nutrition benefits would soon stop.
“We know SNAP runs out for people at the end of the month,” said Sarah McConkie with Indivisible Utah County. “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.”
Rapid Response Food Drive
The group will collect donations on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rotary Park in American Fork (400 South and 200 East). All donations will go to Tabitha’s Way Food Pantry in Pleasant Grove, which serves hundreds of low-income families across Utah County.
Organizers are asking residents to prioritize essential and nonperishable items, including:
- Boxed meals and baking mixes
- Healthy snacks
- Condiments and cooking oils
- Baby diapers (sizes 5 and 6)
McConkie said even small donations can make a difference. “This isn’t something happening far away — it’s happening here in our own neighborhoods,” she said. “It’s people we know and care about.”
Food Banks Bracing for Demand Surge
The Utah Food Bank has already warned that it cannot meet the full demand expected once federal benefits stop. Normally, SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — provides a safety net for families struggling to afford groceries. Without it, local food pantries will see an immediate spike in requests.
Community leaders are urging Utahns to donate directly to local food pantries or volunteer at collection events to help bridge the gap.
“Every can, every bag of rice, every dollar donated right now matters,” McConkie emphasized. “This is about neighbors helping neighbors until government support returns.”
How to Help
If you can’t attend Saturday’s event, you can still donate food or funds directly to Tabitha’s Way, Community Action Services, or other Utah County food assistance programs.
- Utah Food Bank: utahfoodbank.org
- Tabitha’s Way: tabithasway.org
- Community Action Services and Food Bank: communityactionprovo.org
Local officials say the outpouring of support demonstrates Utah’s resilience during difficult times. “When families are in crisis, Utahns always show up,” one volunteer said. “We don’t wait for someone else to fix it — we take care of each other.”
