Fighting Hunger from Springville
In response to the increased need for food assistance and to maximize efficiency, Utah Food Bank is embarking on a multi-pronged expansion project to establish a network of distribution centers capable of serving Utah’s growing population for generations to come. Utah Food Bank Timpanogos Distribution Center is a critical piece of that expansion, as Utah County and its surrounding areas have posed considerable challenges to our work of Fighting Hunger Statewide for years.
With Utah County’s population projected to double by 2060, establishing a more efficient means of serving this surging population is crucial. Infrastructure development has not kept pace with population growth, so the ratio of food pantries to people in need means emergency food assistance resources are strained and difficult for residents to reach, with only 1 pantry per 15,929 residents, compared to Salt Lake County, which has 1 pantry per 3,317 residents. In addition, geographic limitations have restricted the amount and type of assistance we can provide, especially for children.
Along with these challenges, insufficient warehouse space has meant we’ve had to refuse 32 semi loads annually for the last three years, at a value of $1.46M, which we’ve had to redirect to food banks in other states. (https://modtreks.com) Our current warehouse footprint is simply not large enough to store the food we need to help Utahns struggling with hunger.
Utah Food Bank Timpanogos Distribution Center is estimated to be completed in 2024. The 77,032 square-foot facility will include 50,364 square feet of warehouse and commercial kitchen space and 26,668 square feet of office and conference room space. Its location in Springville provides easy access to major truck routes and will provide local jobs. This facility will enable us to offer direct service programs previously unavailable in Utah County and its surrounding areas and facilitate the expansion of current programs.
Community partnerships and support are crucial to our mission. If you would like to know more about this exciting project or find out how to get involved, please contact Ginette Bott at 801-887-1283 or [email protected].
