Only 50 percent of eligible Utah households participate in the federal food stamp program, meaning more Utahns go hungry or worry about where their next meal will come from than need be.

New data compiled in a state-by-state report looking at the extent of hungry America also conclude that slightly more than 15 percent of Utah's population is "food insecure."

The state ranks 40th in the country for food stamp participation, which translates into millions of federal dollars being forfeited that could benefit people as well as food vendors.

"Families in Utah often have trouble putting food on their tables," said Dan Belnap with Utahns Against Hunger.

The study, called Profile of Food and Nutrition Programs Across the Nation, shows the impact that federal nutrition programs have on Utah. The programs pump $211 million into the state despite Utah's relatively low participation. They include the national school breakfast program, in which Utah ranks 49th.

In contrast, the state is ranked No. 9 in the nation for its participation rate in summer nutrition programs.

He attributed Utah's sparse participation in the food stamp program to a variety of reasons, including a "daunting" application process that many may view as complicated and intense personal pride that precludes people from asking for help.

"Food stamps come with a pretty huge stigma attached to them," he said.

Belnap said Utah's participation is only adequate because there are several areas throughout the state — particularly rural areas — that are extremely underserved. Although July 2002 data show 30,790 Utah children participating in summer food programs, most of those children live along the Wasatch Front, especially in Salt Lake City.

The figures show only 26.7 percent of children who receive free and reduced lunches throughout the school year participate in the summer nutrition program. Belnap said that may mean some children are going hungry.

The report, put out by the Food Research and Action Center and released at a Wednesday press conference, stated that 228,000 Utahns, or nearly 10 percent of the state's population, live in poverty.

"That is why access to federal nutrition programs is so important," Belnap said.

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E-mail: amyjoi@desnews.com