More than 80,000 Utah households will lose access to food assistance next month because of the federal government shutdown, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
The agency, which administers payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, said payments for the federal program will not be issued in November. Also known as food stamps, the program serves about 86,000 Utah households.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters last week that the program would run out of money in two weeks, which could leave 42 million Americans without food assistance.
“So you’re talking about millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown,” she said.
In a press release on Wednesday, the Department of Workforce Services said it doesn’t expect SNAP payments to resume until the federal government reopens.
“If the government shutdown is not resolved by Nov. 1, it may interrupt all SNAP services,” the department wrote. “Customers are encouraged to plan for this possibility, as there is a chance cards will not work after that date, even if there is a balance in the account.”
Beneficiaries were directed to call 211 or visit 211Utah.org for information about food pantry locations, meal sites and other available resources. Utahns Against Hunger also has information about emergency food resources.
The Department of Workforce Services said updates will be available on its website or through the customer benefits portal for current beneficiaries.
This story may be updated.