Grand County Food Update

SNAP Benefits Uncertain

Update: Federal Shutdown Creates New Uncertainty for SNAP, Increases Grand County Resident Need for Food Donations

November 3, 2025

The federal government announced this week that it will issue partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments to households this month — a temporary measure that still leaves many families facing uncertainty about how long benefits will last.

With some families receiving only half their normal amount, it remains unclear when or if full benefits will resume. Utah’s Department of Workforce Services continues to advise that EBT card balances from previous months remain available, but no new federal funding has been guaranteed beyond the current partial payments.

Across Grand County, local food providers are preparing for an increase in demand. Among them is St. Francis Episcopal Church, which operates a no-questions-asked weekly food distribution every Friday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at 250 Kane Creek Blvd.

We’re doing what we can to stay ready,” said Phil Irby, coordinator for the St. Francis program. “Right now, we’re holding steady—but if things don’t change in Washington soon, we’ll need help filling in the gaps.

Even before the shutdown, statewide food shipments were limited. St. Francis has not received any beef or chicken from the state distribution network for several months, relying instead on frozen fish fillets—often the only protein available.

People would be thrilled to get a pound of ground beef or chicken again,” Irby said. “That would make a big difference for families.

How You Can Help

Residents who want to help can:
  • Donate frozen protein — one-pound packages of ground beef or chicken are most needed.
  • Drop off donations directly at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Fridays from 4–5:30 p.m. or during the Thursday soup lunch (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.).
  • Make a financial contribution in person to support bulk food purchases.
Grand County will continue coordinating with local food pantries and community partners as the situation evolves.


Original Post—October 27th, 2025

Almost 600 Grand County households will lose access to food benefits on November 1st. Amid the federal government shutdown, Utah officials have confirmed that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps, will not be issued in November. Utah’s Department of Workforce Services (DWS) confirmed this morning that EBT card balances will remain available, but no new funds will be added until federal funding resumes.

What’s Happening

SNAP benefits are federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). During a government shutdown, the USDA cannot issue new benefits unless Congress authorizes emergency spending. Utah DWS confirmed late last week that, without federal authorization, SNAP disbursements will be paused statewide in November.

The Utah Food Bank—which distributes food to more than 200 local pantries across the state—has already warned that food supplies will be strained as communities step in to fill the gap. The nonprofit reported that reductions in federal commodity food programs this year have already stretched resources thin.
“It’s going to take all of us coming together to get through this,” a Utah Food Bank spokesperson said in a public statement over the weekend.

How Grand County Is Responding

Local organizations are preparing to meet a surge in demand.
The Grand County Food Bank and Moab Valley Multicultural Center (MVMC), along with other community organizations, are coordinating efforts to ensure no one goes hungry.

“We’re bracing for a big increase in need,” said Crystal Shumway, Manager of the Grand County Food Bank. “We’re relying on community donations more than ever. Peanut butter, tuna, rice, and beans in small bags, and cereal are the most helpful items right now.”

The Grand County Food Bank, located at 56 N 200 E, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Food and monetary donations can be dropped off during those hours or by appointment. 

MVMC, located at 156 N 100 W, offers a client-choice food pantry Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from 12–1 p.m. and 12–2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays). Monetary donations can be made online at moabmc.org/donate. Specify your donation for the “food pantry. ”

“Our pantry is open, and we’re here for anyone who needs help,” said Malcolm Campbell-Taylor, MVMC Food Pantry Manager. “Monetary donations help us respond quickly and purchase exactly what’s needed. Every contribution makes a difference and will allow us to expand our service to fill this gap.”

How You Can Help

Residents who are in a position to give can make the most impact by:
  • Donating money to MVMC online at moabmc.org/donate, specifying “food pantry,” or to the Utah Food Bank. 
  • Donating food to the Grand County Food Bank or MVMC during open hours.
  • Volunteering at the Grand County Food Bank by emailing cshumway@seualg.utah.gov or donating gift cards (e.g., City Market, Visa, etc.). 
If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, dial 2-1-1 to connect with available food resources in English or Spanish.

Looking Ahead

As the shutdown continues, Grand County will monitor updates from state and federal partners and share verified information through official County channels.
“This is one of those moments that reminds us who we are as a community,” Hall said. “When one of us is struggling, we take care of each other. That’s what this community does best.”

Where to Find Help

  • Moab Valley Multicultural Center Food Pantry
    156 N 100 W | (435) 259-5444
    Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed 12–1 p.m. and 12–2:30 p.m. Wed)
    moabmc.org/donate
  • Grand County Food Bank
    56 N 200 E | (435) 259-6456 | cshumway@seualg.utah.gov
    Tue & Thu, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
  • St. Francis Episcopal Church
    250 Kane Creek Blvd | (435) 259-5831
    Food bank: Fridays 5:00-6:30 (Spring and Summer)
    Fridays 4:00-5:30 (Winter & Fall)
  • Utah Food Bank
    utahfoodbank.org
  • 2-1-1 Utah
    24-hour multilingual referral service connecting residents to food, housing, and emergency resources.

Grand County Food Pantry Resources—English

Grand County Food Pantry Resources—Spanish