Utah nonprofit struggles as SNAP rules tighten

SALT LAKE CITY — The Food Justice Coalition says demand is rising and access is tightening as families brace for SNAP cuts in 2026, facing new federal barriers to getting free meals.

“We’re starting to see people be really concerned,” said Jeanette Padilla Vega, president of the Food Justice Coalition. “I would even say panicked, around what SNAP services are going to look like next year when funding cuts begin.”

She said it’s putting serious strain on small nonprofits like hers, which now needs to raise at least $50,000 just to keep up with the growing demand and the burden shouldn’t fall on the most vulnerable.

Padilla Vega said the pressure is building as more Utahns seek help. Now, they’re required to prove income, residency, and citizenship to get free meals.

“I founded this organization on the foundation that everyone gets fed,” Padilla Vega said. “No matter what. No questions asked. And instead, we’re spending it behind our computers doing administrative work.”

She said more families are signing up early, fearing they’ll lose benefits next year as SNAP funding faces cuts under a Trump-era policy.

Padilla Vega said free prepared meals offer more than nourishment—they save time for parents working multiple jobs. Padilla Vega warned that even more Utahns may turn to groups like hers if national leaders don’t act.

KSL NewsRadio’s Amie Schaeffer contributed to this report.

Related: 70.5% of eligible Utahns not enrolled for food assistance programs