The Utah Department of Workforce Services announced last week that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments will not be issued in November due to the federal government shutdown, and Community Action said 11,500 households in Utah, Wasatch and Summit Counties who rely on the benefits will be affected.

Community Action said it averages 20,000 pounds of food a day, and that if a third or half of households relying on SNAP turn to the food bank, that will increase to 26,000 or 30,000 pounds per day.

“This is more than a data point — it’s a glimpse into what thousands of families in our community may face,” Community Action Services and Food Bank CEO Tom Hogan said in a release. “SNAP benefits are what keeps the pantry from going bare. Losing that support means turning to us, and we are determined to be ready.”

In response, Community Action, Tabitha’s Way and Food & Care Coalition are challenging community members, businesses, faith groups and civic organizations to rally to reach the 70,000-pound threshold.

“Meeting this increased need will require a united community effort,” Hogan said. “We need help — through food drives, financial gifts, and volunteer hours — to make sure no one in our community goes hungry during the pause of SNAP Benefits. Every donation helps us turn uncertainty into hope.”

Community Action has food pantries in Provo, Oakley, Coalville and Heber, and over 100 partner agencies.