The Rising Cost of Delivering Food Across Utah
How Fuel Prices Are Impacting Hunger Relief in 2026
Each day, our trucks travel hundreds of miles across the state to deliver food to rural communities, partner agencies, and families facing hunger. This work depends on one essential resource: fuel.
Right now, fuel costs are rising quickly, and it is directly impacting our ability to serve Utahns in need. Last year, our fleet traveled 792,092 miles to deliver food across the state. That is the equivalent of circling the globe 32 times!
A Sharp Increase in Diesel Prices in Utah
Diesel powers the majority of our fleet. It is what allows us to transport millions of pounds of food across Utah each year.
In January, diesel prices in our region averaged about $3.18 per gallon. Today, they have surged to nearly $4.94 per gallon. That is a sharp increase in just a few weeks, and it is making every delivery more expensive.
This is not a gradual shift. It is a sudden spike with real consequences.
What Rising Fuel Costs Mean for Utah Food Bank
As diesel prices increase, so does the cost of every delivery:
- Every route to a rural pantry
- Every Mobile Pantry distribution
- Every truck filled with food for families
Fuel is not optional. It is what powers every truck, every route, and every delivery.
Why This Matters for Utah Families
For the families we serve, these deliveries mean everything.
They provide:
- Access to food in rural communities without nearby grocery stores
- Support for local pantries facing increased demand
- Stability during times of financial strain
Rising fuel prices should never be the reason someone goes without food.
How You Can Help Fuel Hunger Relief in Utah
Your support does more than provide meals.
It helps:
- Keep delivery trucks on the road
- Ensure food reaches every corner of the state
- Sustain critical programs serving Utah families
As costs rise, your impact goes even further powering the entire system that delivers food to those who need it most.
Make a gift today to help fuel our mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide: DONATE HERE
Together, we can ensure that no matter the distance or the cost, we continue showing up for our neighbors.
