The Utah Food Bank’s annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive has officially kicked off and will run through Jan. 15, helping stock the shelves of the food bank and emergency food pantries across the state all year long. This year, Utah Food Bank is working to reduce waste by not distributing donation bags. Instead, the food bank is asking donors to either donate online through their virtual gift bag or bring nonperishables in their own bags to several statewide dropoff locations. When people fill a virtual bag or donate online, Utah Food Bank is able to provide $7.35 worth of goods and services with every donated dollar.
In addition to the virtual bag, all Utah Smith’s Food & Drug Stores are also accepting monetary donations at all check stands through their “Bringing Hope to the Table” program. Those who would like to donate nonperishable items can take them to Utah Food Bank, a local food pantry, or any Smith’s, RC Willey, or Riverton Motors location.
With so many local businesses and organizations supporting the effort, people can support the food bank in a multitude of ways, whether it’s by supporting one of Utah Food Bank’s food and fund drives or establishing their own. Organizing a food and fund drive on your own is easy. Simply register your food drive on Utah Food Bank’s website, and you can request supplies if needed. Utah Food Bank encourages you to get creative in how you choose to mobilize and suggests ideas such as requesting that holiday party guests bring a can of food as “admission,” organizing neighborhood food drives in lieu of giving neighbor gifts, or even simply buying extra food to donate as you grocery shop for your holiday dinners.
Last fiscal year, the Utah Food Bank distributed the equivalent of 31.3 million meals through a statewide network of 140 emergency food pantries throughout all 29 counties. There are 423,000 Utahns who are unsure of where their next meal will come from, and Utah Food Bank feels strongly that no Utahn should have to choose between food on their table or a roof over their head this holiday season.
“Hunger is such a critical need for our community to address,” said Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank chief development officer. “One of every five kids in Utah risks missing a meal today due to lack of resources. This time of year is one of hope and joy for so many people, but it can also be a tremendous strain for those who don’t have enough to eat.”
Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank has operated under various names but remains true to its mission of fighting hunger statewide by providing food to a statewide network of 140 emergency food pantries and agencies.
For more information about Utah Food Bank, a complete list of dropoff locations, or to fill a virtual donation bag, visit utahfoodbank.org, Facebook, or Twitter.
