Utahns Against Hunger are sharing their analysis of what could happen in Utah if SNAP benefits receive proposed cuts. The budget reconciliation bill proposes major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that is currently federally funded with states helping with the cost of its administration. The proposal is to almost entirely shift the costs to the states which are not currently budgeted for. Utahns Against Hunger share that “SNAP supports over 178,000 people in Utah, helping them put food on the table. In Utah, there are nearly 5,000 veterans participating in SNAP. Over $380 million in SNAP benefits supported Utah families in fiscal year 2024. SNAP supports 1,565 Utah retailers, who redeemed over $435 million dollars in 2023 and these businesses help fund local services like schools and healthcare through taxes.” While cuts will obviously affect the 5% of Utah households already participating in SNAP, Utahns Against Hunger also share that the ripple effect will harm farmers, prevent children from receiving free school meals, and could stagnate the economy.
