Facing the Hunger Cliff in Utah: Why Fighting Hunger in 2025 Is More Urgent Than Ever

In 2025, fighting hunger is more urgent than ever. Thousands of working families classified as A.L.I.C.E. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) are doing everything right by holding steady jobs, yet they remain one unexpected bill away from crisis. Inflation, record housing costs, and rising food prices continue to squeeze their already-limited budgets. Like much of the nation, Utah is facing what experts call the “Hunger Cliff,” a point where progress against hunger stalls or even reverses because of sharp reductions in food assistance programs. We must prepare now by strengthening our distribution networks, securing additional food resources, and rallying community support so that no family faces hunger alone.

The most significant changes are coming to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With 5% of Utah’s population currently relying on SNAP, half of whom are families with children, any future cuts to benefit levels could mean that they will need to rely more heavily on Utah Food Bank and our 270 partner agencies. This comes at a time when demand is already at historic highs, and has been for quite some time.

For families already living paycheck to paycheck, these reductions threaten to push them over the edge. For Utah Food Bank, it means demand will only continue to rise faster than we can meet alone. The Hunger Cliff is once again looming, but together we can help families hold on. Hunger is a formidable challenge, but it is not insurmountable. When you give food, time, or financial support, you provide a safety net that keeps Utah families from falling. Thank you for standing with us as we continue Fighting Hunger Statewide.