For thousands of Utah families, an “average” day brings tough choices between groceries and rent… between medicine and meals. One in six children across our state faces uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. But behind the scenes of these quiet struggles, an extraordinary network is in motion, doing everything it can to turn the tide: Utah Food Bank.
Since 1904, Utah Food Bank has served as a lifeline for Utahns experiencing food insecurity. In 2024 alone, we distributed more than 65 million pounds of food—equal to over 54 million meals—reaching every corner of the state.
Each day, Utah Food Bank trucks hit the road, covering about 1,000 miles total—roughly the distance between Salt Lake City and Phoenix and back. Every box truck carries around 10,000 pounds of food, enough to provide 40,000 meals. And while these trucks are dropping off critical food supplies, they’re also picking up fresh donations through grocery rescue programs.
One such partner is Harmons, a grocery store that goes above and beyond to make sure fresh, nutritious food reaches families before it expires.
“Harmons donates all of their fresh food days before it expires,” shared Kristin Thornhill from Harmons. “That means families get quality, delicious food instead of stores just throwing it away. It’s a way to give back that truly makes a difference.”
With partners like Harmons, Utah Food Bank can offer more than just canned goods—families receive fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and baked items, restoring both nourishment and dignity.
In Salt Lake City, The Salvation Army Family Services Program is one of more than 270 emergency food pantries supported by Utah Food Bank’s statewide network. Every month, they receive around 34,000 pounds of food.
“People come to our pantry without fear of judgment,” said Lt. Kate Combs. “When someone can choose the food that fits their family’s needs, it offers a glimmer of hope during tough times.”
With inflation, rising rents, and economic uncertainties, more Utahns are relying on food pantries than ever before. Utah Food Bank’s support ensures these organizations can meet the growing need.
But it’s not just adults who benefit—kids are at the heart of Utah Food Bank’s mission. Through the Kids Cafe program, students across the state receive healthy meals after school, so they can go to bed full and ready to learn the next day.
At Glendale Middle School in Salt Lake City, this program is a lifeline.
“For some of our students, this is the last meal they’ll get before we see them again the next day,” said Lucas Tucker, a staff member at the school. “A child who’s hungry can’t focus or learn. Kids Cafe gives them the nourishment they need to succeed.”
The meals are more than sustenance—they’re something the kids genuinely look forward to.
“Their favorite? Easy—beef nachos. And it’s not even close,” Lucas added with a smile.
This work continues day after day, week after week. In 2024, Utah Food Bank’s transportation team logged 756,000 miles—enough to circle the globe 30 times. Our transportation budget alone topped $5 million, a non-negotiable investment in getting food where it’s needed most.
Behind every number is a story. Behind every delivery, a family. Behind every box, a community comes together to make sure no one in Utah goes hungry.
At Utah Food Bank, our mission is simple: Fighting Hunger Statewide. Every truck, every volunteer, every dollar donated helps make that happen. And while an “average” day might not make headlines, this work is anything but average.
Join us in building a better, stronger, more nourished Utah—one meal, one mile, one neighbor at a time.