Commentary: SNAP matters to thousands of Utah households

September 24, 2018

By Gina Cornia | For The Salt Lake Tribune | September  23, 2018.

Utah’s economy is strong, but it isn’t benefiting everyone.

More than 10 percent of Utahns are struggling with food insecurity, or limited or uncertain access to enough food. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) makes a difference for thousands of Utah households, ensuring they have money for food and room in their budget to afford rent and other basic needs.

SNAP serves as the first line of defense against hunger for millions of Americans. In Utah, SNAP reached 76,909 households, serving 185,816 individuals in June. According to the Utah Department of Workforce Services, the majority of individuals benefitting from SNAP are children 17 or younger (52.47 percent), seniors over age 60 (6.76 percent), or people with disabilities (12.63 percent). READ MORE.