Though the number of Utah families relying on food stamps continues to climb, some of the pantries that provide free food report slowing demand. Whether that signals a possible end to the recession is anybody's guess -- the trend is not consistent throughout the state.

"What I think starts making a huge difference is the incredible effort to get people on food stamps," said Rachel Fischbein, who heads up emergency services at Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake City.

A record-breaking 98,574 Utah households are now using food stamps, according to newly released February data, up about 1 percent from the month before. Low-income households that are eligible for government assistance receive a special debit card to access the benefits, which vary by income and household size.

Many community organizations have strongly encouraged families to take advantage of food stamps during this difficult economic time.

In February, 1,351 households sought help at the Crossroads food pantry compared to 1,663 the year before. Last year the nonprofit had an all-time high in demand for food and other emergency services. About a year ago, Crossroads added a computer so people can sign up for food stamps on site.

"Now we hear [the economy is] getting a little bit better," Fischbein said. "Usually it takes us a little bit to catch on."

At the Community Action Program pantry at the west-side Redwood Multi Purpose Center, as many as 120 families had shown up needing help each day over the last few months. Now the number is more typically around 80. Advocates have speculated that cash from tax refunds is helping low-income families stay afloat.

But layoffs and the end of unemployment benefits have left many Utahns as desperate as they were last year. Numbers are up at the Carbon County Food Bank in Price by about 20 to 30 percent.

"People are having hard times," said Jackie Butkovich, who runs the pantry.

jlyon@sltrib.com