As the federal government’s shutdown approaches a month, Utah state leaders have come up with a plan to make sure its citizens dependent on SNAP benefits will not go hungry.
The state-led initiative will donate $4 million in resources to local food banks, according to a press release from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
Allocations of $500,000 per week will be sent directly to the Utah Food Bank for eight weeks or until Congress approves a budget, opening the federal government again.
For every dollar donated to the food bank, approximately three meals will be given to Utah families in need, the press release said.
“Washington has failed to do its job,” Cox said. “Utah is stepping up so families, especially those in rural communities, can keep food on the table. Because Utah Food Bank serves Utahns in all 29 counties, additional state resources will reach small towns and city neighborhoods alike, including our federal employee neighbors who’ve gone too long without a paycheck.”
Cox urged nonprofit and community organizations, individuals and faith-based groups to join in on the effort, support local food banks and help their friends and neighbors have enough to eat.
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams said the initiative is fitting for Utah.
“Utah is known as the most charitable state in the nation,” he said. “That’s the spirit that defines us: we lift each other up and stand united. That’s the power of community; that’s the Utah way.”
Adams and Cox also urged Congress to end the shutdown.
“The responsibility to end this shutdown lies with our federal partners in Washington,” Adams said. “Congress must stop the political games and reopen the government. Every day this shutdown drags on, hardworking Americans are hurt. It’s time for Congress to do its job and put the American people first.”