Guess the #1 School Supply? It’s Not What You Think.
As store shelves fill with Halloween decor, it’s easy to get swept up in the changing seasons. But before we pull out the pumpkin spice and prep costumes, there’s one important season we can’t overlook: back-to-school.
For thousands of Utah kids, the most important school supply isn’t a new backpack or fresh notebooks. It’s nutritious food.
While many children return to class with brand-new supplies, others arrive without even the basics — including enough to eat. For these students, hunger makes it hard to concentrate, learn, and thrive. Imagine trying to ace a spelling test on an empty stomach, or sitting through math class while your body begs for fuel.
Unfortunately, this is the daily reality for far too many children in our state.
In Utah, 1 in 6 kids face hunger. And for some families already stretched thin by the cost of school supplies, clothing, and fees, the back-to-school season can be especially difficult.
Thanks to generous donors like you, Utah Food Bank is working hard to ensure no child has to start the school year hungry. Last year alone, our Mobile School Pantry program served more than 246,000 children at 72 school sites across Utah. These mobile food distributions provide fresh, nutritious groceries that children and their families can count on.
You Can Be the Difference
If you’re feeling called to help, now is the time. Here’s how you can make a real impact:
- Give Food — Rally your workplace, church group, or neighborhood to collect non-perishable items.
- Give Time — Help sort food donations, pack boxes, or deliver food boxes.
- Give Money — Every $1 you give helps provide $7.80 worth of goods and services to children and families in need.
- Spread the word — Hunger hides in plain sight. Share this message so more Utahns can step up and support.
Before the leaves turn and the holidays begin, let’s show up for the children in our communities. Let’s make sure their first — and most important — school supply is covered.
Because every child deserves to start the school year fed, focused, and ready to succeed.
Learn more or donate now at www.utahfoodbank.org
