An expanded partnership between the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), Utah Food Bank and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will ensure more low-income Utahns have access to healthy food. The three organizations today announced the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is being expanded to serve residents in Salt Lake County.

The CSFP serves clientele similar to the existing Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, but expands eligibility to include children up to the age of six and adults over the age of 60. Those clients are not eligible for WIC under current guidelines. The USDA provides all the food for the program and ships it directly to the food bank, which distributes it to eligible recipients, as well as makes eligibility determinations. Food packages will include items like canned beans, fruits and vegetables, cold cereals, dried milk and bottled juice.

"Utah Food Bank's network of food pantries and agencies is continuing to experience a staggering number of food requests every month," Jim Pugh, CEO of Utah Food Bank, said. "Over 56% of those served last year reported having to choose between paying for food and paying for rent or mortgage. No one should be forced to choose between such basic needs and this reality further underscores the importance of Utah's emergency food assistance services."

The CSFP is already available at food pantries in Bountiful, Ogden and Layton. The program is entirely federally funded and will operate with a budget of $139,000 during its first year. The UDOH estimates 2,817 Utahns who are not currently eligible for WIC will be able to receive supplemental food through the CSFP.

"We will be focusing our outreach efforts on trying to enroll 5-year olds and adults over the age of 60," said Dr. Marc Babitz, director of family health and preparedness for the UDOH. "This is a group that currently does not have access to a supplemental food program and we feel we can greatly improve their health and help meet their nutritional needs with the CSFP."

"The addition of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to the nutrition safety net here in Utah is a significant and positive step," said Janey Thornton, Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the USDA. "We applaud the state, Utah Food Bank, and distribution sites for taking on the administration and operation of the program. Their hard work and partnership will help serve hungry families and individuals throughout the state."

Program eligibility determinations are based on age, income and state residency. Interested individuals must apply in-person at a participating food pantry or may call 2-1-1 for more information.

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