Resources to help food insecurity during government shutdown
Oct 29, 2025, 5:27 PM | Updated: Nov 5, 2025, 10:56 am
SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. government was shut down on the turn of October, after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to agree on how to continue funding the government.
Nearly a month into the shutdown, federal workers have crossed a milestone in what could be an extended period of unknowns: their first pay period without a check.
Perhaps the most concern has been expressed about SNAP benefits, which were also paused for the first time in government shutdown history. This pause means that approximately 180,000 Utahns who rely on federal benefits for food will not receive their payments for November. The number of families nationwide covers over 41 million people, according to USDA data.
Starting Nov. 1, multiple community-led programs across the state are prepared to step up. Here’s a list of the programs KSL has reported on so far.
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Local businesses giving back
These Utah businesses are offering free food, no questions asked, to those affected by the government shutdown.
Girls Who Smash
Girls Who Smash in Salt Lake City is giving away free loaded fries and a bottle of water at its food truck, starting Nov. 2. Locations are listed on its website.
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Mumbai House
Mumbai House, with locations in Salt Lake City, Tooele and Park City, are offering free meals to those in need.
“No one should ever have to stress about how they can get food on the table for their family! As long as you keep the Mumbai House Family in your prayers, we will always serve the people in need,” the restaurant said in an Instagram post. “This is not a gesture, this is a promise.”
Doki Doki
Doki Doki in Salt Lake City is giving out 15 free desserts a day, making sure kids still get a little sweetness.
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Bhansa Ghar
Bhansa Ghar in Salt Lake City is giving away free meals.
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Yummy’s Korean BBQ
Yummy’s Korean BBQ, locations in Saratoga and Orem, are giving away free fried rice starting in November.
“We hope to give you some hope and light during these times,” the restaurants Instagram post said.
Sweet Hazel and Co
Sweet Hazel and Co., a vegan bistro and bakeshop in Salt Lake City, started a “feed-it-forward” program to support the community. The program is for anyone struggling, not only to those who lost SNAP benefits.
“If you’re able to, buy any meal for someone in need,” the restaurant said in an Instagram post. We’ll clip the receipt to our little bookshelf, and anyone who’s struggling can come in, grab one of those receipts, and cash it in for a warm meal — no questions asked.”
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The Taco Spot
The Taco Spot is offering free meals at its location in Logan.
“As proud members of this community, we believe in standing by one another when it matters most,” the restaurant said in an Instagram post. “And as a former federal employee, I personally understand the challenges a government shutdown can bring—the financial strain, the uncertainty, and the stress it can place on families.”
Something Wicked Coffee, formerly known as Bean’s Coffee, has a free breakfast waiting for anyone who doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from during the government shutdown.
“Even if SNAP returns, we will continue our SNAP Breakfast for furloughed government employees. The government shutdown is affecting so many beyond SNAP benefits,” the coffee shop said in an Instagram post. “Our breakfast is for anyone who is hungry and needs a helping hand!”
Something Wicked Coffee
Something Wicked Coffee, formerly known as Bean’s Coffee, has a free breakfast waiting for anyone who doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from during the government shutdown.
“Even if SNAP returns, we will continue our SNAP Breakfast for furloughed government employees. The government shutdown is affecting so many beyond SNAP benefits,” the coffee shop said in an Instagram post. “Our breakfast is for anyone who is hungry and needs a helping hand!”
Help for SNAP recipients brewing at a Clearfield coffee shop
Tenney’s Pizza
Tenney’s Pizza in Saratoga Springs is giving away a free large one-topping pizza to anyone who provides their SNAP/EBT card.
“Times are hard, Tenney’s Pizza in Saratoga Springs would like to help the community by providing a free large one-topping pizza to anybody that needs to feed their family,” the restaurant said in an Instagram post. “We ask that you show your SNAP/EBT card and the pizza is on us!”
Sugar House Coffee
Sugar House Coffee in Salt Lake City has started a community gift card for anyone who needs a little help purchasing food or coffee.
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Mark Miller Subaru
Mark Miller Subaru is giving away free boxed lunches in November to anyone who is hungry.
“Hey Utah, we know food insecurity is on the rise, and we want to do our part,” an Oct. 28 Facebook post reads. “If you’re hungry, come by any Mark Miller Subaru store this November and grab a free boxed lunch, no questions asked.”
Catholic community services
Catholic Community Services urges support as SNAP benefits set to end for thousands of Utah families
Indivisible Utah County & Tabitha’s Way
Organizations step in to help as SNAP benefits come to a halt
Utah Food Bank
Local businesses host food drives to help those affected by the government shutdown
More information
86,000 Utah families could lose food benefits. Will the state cover the cost?
