Newspaper blames Trump, not Congress, for SNAP cuts
The Salt Lake Tribune criticized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their work in helping feed the poor. The newspaper called LDS Church donations "very basic" and insufficient for those with "common food allergies, such as to gluten or dairy."
The attacks comes as an expected 86,000 Utah families are expected to no longer receive benefits due to the federal government shutdown. The newspaper criticized food donations to needy members for what it called "Bishop Roulette."
In addition, the newspaper's October 31 editorial attacked the Trump Administration for the problem stating that Congress is not responsible for the expected cuts to SNAP benefits set to begin on November 1.
"Republicans wrongly blame the logjam in Congress, not the administration, for the SNAP cutoff," the newspaper's editorial board wrote.
The U.S. Constitution grants the power of the purse to Congress, not the President.
The newspaper's editorial board further accused the Trump administration of "an effort to punish the poor — who, they may feel, don’t vote — for the sins of the rich — who pay for their campaigns."
Utah state leaders have announced a $4 million infusion of funds to benefit local Utah food banks during this time of increased need.