Catholic Community Services asks for help as threat to SNAP spurs surge in demand

Friday, Nov. 07, 2025

OGDEN — The uncertainty regarding SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which were expected to cease on Nov. 1 without immediate federal action, has already affected many people in Utah.

Organizations like Catholic Community Services of Utah are seeing a dramatic increase in new and former clients seeking help putting food on the table. CCS’ Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank in Ogden is preparing for a sharp increase in clients and needs community support to keep its shelves stocked.

In just three days the week leading up to the expected cessation, 134 families signed up or renewed their food cards at the Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, a huge increase over normal sign-ups, according to Randy Chappell, CCS Basic Needs director.

“In the last three months, we’ve averaged 118 [households] for the whole month,” he said. “I think a lot of pantries are preparing and getting ready for an influx of individuals. I think it’s a scary time for a lot of people.”

CCS has received an emergency donation from an anonymous donor that will help the food bank keep some necessities in stock for a couple of months. However, that donation, while much appreciated, will only cover the bare minimum that will be required to meet demand, Chappell said. 

CCS officials are hoping the Catholic community will respond to this need with donations, both monetary and in-kind, and that volunteers will step up to help stock the food bank. The food bank may also extend its hours to meet the high demand.

“We need individuals to come in in the afternoon and help us restock to get ready for the next day,” Chappell said.

He also anticipates that even if the suspension of SNAP benefits is short-lived, there will be a significant delay before recipients can receive them again. 

“I think it could take two weeks to a month to get everything back up and running again if or when the shutdown ends,” he said.

While donations of nonperishable food items are appreciated, monetary donations go farther because CCS has relationships with vendors that enable it to have greater purchasing power, Chappell said. Any donations that are not used during this crisis will be used by the food bank or CCS’ Bridging the Gap program to feed people in need.

Anyone wishing to help can donate nonperishable food items directly to the Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, at 2504 F Avenue in Ogden, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  In the Salt Lake Valley, donations will be accepted at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall at 437 West 200 South, Salt Lake City, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monetary donations can be made online at ccsutah.org/donate (select Basic Needs Ogden from the campaign drop-down menu). Additional information about needed items and ways to give can be found at https://bit.ly/477d4fP.

“I think everyone needs to understand that there’s people in need, and any way that they can help out would be huge,” Chappell said.

Anyone impacted by the government shutdown or SNAP benefits cessation can sign up at the food bank by bringing proof of address and valid identification for every adult in the household to the food bank during office hours. After filling out a one-page application and meeting with a case manager, a food card is issued that same day. There is no means test.

“If you feel like you need the help, you can come to the pantry and we can get you set up,” Chappell said.