Food pantry demand in Davis County now exceeds what providers saw during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the nonprofit Utahns Against Hunger.

The county's food insecurity rate stands at 12.7%, and Utah's SNAP caseload has dropped 15% since September 2025 following federal cuts to the program under HR1, the congressional reconciliation bill, Gina Cornia, executive director of Utahns Against Hunger, told the Davis Journal on Aug. 13.

"What we're hearing from meetings we had is that demand for food at food pantries is higher now than it was during the pandemic," Cornia said. "That's startling."

Food pantries cannot absorb the families losing SNAP benefits, Cornia said. UAH reports that donations to pantries have declined even as need climbs. The Bountiful Community Food Pantry, a named partner in Davis County's 2026–2027 Annual Action Plan, is among the local organizations the county regularly consults on food insecurity and homelessness, according to county planning documents.

The gap is real.

Davis County Senior Services screened more than 800 individuals for SNAP eligibility in 2025 and attended 62 events promoting nutrition programs, according to the county health department's annual report.

Programs that stretch grocery dollars

Two programs offer immediate help for residents who qualify:

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Seniors age 60 and older who earn below 185% of the federal poverty level receive ten $5 vouchers, totaling $50 annually, redeemable for produce and honey at participating farmers markets statewide.

Double Up Food Bucks: SNAP EBT cardholders who spend $5 at a participating farmers market receive an additional $10 in tokens for fresh fruits and vegetables. The match applies at more than 20 markets across Utah, with some locations matching up to $20 per market day.

The Bountiful City Farmers Market at Bountiful Town Square (75 E. 200 S.) accepts SNAP/EBT and participates in Double Up Food Bucks. The market runs every Thursday through Oct. 15.

How to connect

Residents can call Davis County Senior Services at 801-525-5050 to ask about SNAP eligibility and nutrition programs. Utahns Against Hunger can be reached at 801-328-2561 or toll-free at 1-800-453-3663, or online at uah.org.

UAH is also working with local elected officials who Cornia told the Davis Journal are "really seeing the fallout" from HR1's nutrition program cuts. The organization is urging residents to learn about food insecurity in their own communities and to contact their representatives.

The Bountiful City Farmers Market's next session is Friday, Aug. 21, at Bountiful Town Square.