By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News

As of Nov. 1, over 86,000 Utahns will be without federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) support, leaving many worrying about food security. To help combat this loss, several community groups are hosting food drives to help stock food bank shelves across the Castle Country.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, Price City, in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of Price, Carbon Medical Service, and the 2025 Price City Council candidates, will host a food drive/pancake breakfast to help feed the community. 

“This is one of the rare times where a threat to our most vulnerable brings us together. We have always rallied together when some of us are in need. I knew this was one of those times when the support would come, and as you can see, it is happening,” said Price City Councilmember Layne Miller. “The two phases of this will raise financial benefits, and the food donation will support our local food bank. I was in a meeting last week when we were told our local food bank will not be able to support the upcoming need, so this program will be terrific- it’ll raise money and food. My advice to everyone is to get involved and help our community family members. This is what we do.”

Those participating in the breakfast are encouraged to bring five nonperishable items to donate, but the city specifies that no one will be turned away. The event will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the Reeves Building on the Campus of Utah State University Eastern. 

Local disaster restoration company Restore Wizard is also seeking to give back to the community. Taking a different approach, the company is hosting a competition, where the individual (or business) who donates the most nonperishable food will win $100. 

“Let’s fill those food shelves together and spread some serious holiday cheer,” reads a social media post from the company. “Let’s come together as a community – because no one should have to worry about food this season.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Restore Wizard Offices at 394 East 400 South in Price.

USU-Extension Carbon County is also playing a role in combating potential food crises by hosting a November food drive to donate 1,000 pounds to the Trinity Food Pantry. The organization is seeking canned proteins, pasta, pasta sauce and peanut butter. Donations can be dropped off at the USU Extension Office in the Carbon County Administration Building, 751 East 100 North, Suite #1700.

WaFd Bank is also giving citizens the chance to donate to a greater cause through its Toy/Food Drive, which runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 19. 

“This year seems to be impacting a lot of people, and so we really just wanted to give back to the community,” said Carmen Jones, WaFd Branch Manager. “We would love to fill our box. We have a box right in our lobby, right through the front doors that people can drop off in.”

Donations can be made Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 308 East Main Street in Price.

Other resources are available for those seeking food assistance during the SNAP pause:

• Call 211: Information about food pantries, meal sites and other available resources
• 211Utah.org: Food pantry locations by geography
• uah.org: Emergency food resources