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As the holidays approach, and you are making your list and checking it twice, please don’t forget the 1 in 10 Utah kids who are unsure of where their next meal will come from. Many who were already living paycheck to paycheck find themselves having to make tough choices this holiday season…a time when budgets naturally get a little tighter. 

This is especially true for our neighbors on fixed incomes and those with kids home from school on winter break. No one should have to decide between feeding their family or heating their home. Or wonder whether they can pay for their medication and still cover rent. But far too many of our neighbors must make those kinds of decisions every day. 

The latest report tells us 317,000 Utahns are food insecure. Our 245 partner agencies and mobile pantries are seeing an increase in need. We are as committed as ever to continuing the fight against hunger statewide. Still, the increase in need plus the impact of inflation on our distribution costs means we need Utahns to join us in our mission. 

If you’d like to help, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference, below are just a few: 

• Give Food—along with our usual drop-off locations, there are many opportunities this time of year to participate in the food drives hosted by businesses and organizations across the state as part of or Holiday Food & Fund Drive. 
• Give Time—volunteers are the heartbeat of Utah Food Bank! Last year, their work provided the equivalent of 89 full-time employees—we could not continue to distribute food free of charge across the state without this help. 
• Give Money—For every $1 donated, Utah Food Bank can stretch into $8.36 worth of goods and services, so whether you give a one-time gift or become a Monthly Meal Maker, you can be confident your money will go where it’s needed most. 
• Host a Fundraiser—our JustGiving Platform makes it easy for anyone to host a DIY Fund Drive. Why not make one part of your holiday party or family gathering? 

There is no shortage of ways to give back through Utah Food Bank during the holidays, so whether it’s gifts of food, time, or money, your gift will truly impact the lives of our neighbors experiencing hunger. Special thanks to our Holiday Food & Fund Drive sponsors Cat Country FM, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Harmons, Riverton Chevrolet and Wells Fargo.  

With all of us working together, we can help make an impossible situation a little easier for our families, friends, and neighbors in communities across Utah experiencing hunger this holiday season. 

Click here to help make the holidays a little brighter: Holiday Food & Fund Drive 

Happy GivingTuesday! Today, an anonymous donor has generously stepped forward to double the impact of your kindness by matching your gift, up to $50,000! 

Your compassion has the power to make a significant difference in the lives of 1 in 10 Utah kids who are unsure of where their next meal will come from. Thanks to this gracious match, a $10 donation today can provide $167.20 worth of goods and services to families and neighbors facing hunger. 

This GivingTuesday holds even greater significance as Utahns face the challenges of soaring costs of living. Many are grappling with the basics, such as heat or a roof over their heads, let alone ensuring they have enough for their next meal. Jill, a retired senior, visits our Mobile Pantry distributions to help fill in the gaps of living on a fixed income.

“Being retired, it’s hard to make choices financially for good food because all the food is good. The meat, the fresh fruit, the dairy – it’s all so expensive right now. When I can, I like to contribute to the food bank as well. What a blessing this food is, and such a gift.” 

No one in Utah should face the uncertainty of how to feed themselves or their family, especially during the holidays. The magic of the season is strengthened when we come together as a community, in the true spirit of philanthropy. On GivingTuesday, take part in helping the lives of our neighbors experiencing hunger. Your gift today will ensure that twice as many Utahns receive the nourishment they need. 

Let’s make this holiday season a time for unity, compassion, and hope for all those in need. Join us, and together, we can make a lasting impact and spread the warmth of the giving all across Utah.  

Click here: Double Your Impact 

It’s that time of year again! Dust off your running shoes, put on your most creative costumes and come together with nearly 5,000 Utahns on Thanksgiving morning for our 18th Annual Utah Human Race. This beloved family-friendly event promises not only an energetic race, but also a chance to give back by fighting hunger with your feet. Join us on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at the Sandy Promenade (10200 S. Centennial Parkway, Sandy) at 8:00 a.m. for a morning of unity and gratitude.

As we gather in the spirit of Thanksgiving, it’s crucial to remember that 317,000 Utahns face hunger, and 1 in 10 Utah kids are unsure where their next meal is coming from. By participating in this event, you’re supporting Utah Food Bank’s mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide.

The event offers both 5K and 10K options, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Registration fees are $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K, and online registration closes on November 21. There will be no same-day registration or timing chips available, so make sure to register in advance and arrive prepared to make a difference.

RACE DAY FAQs:

• The event goes on, rain or shine!
• Walkers are encouraged to choose the 5K option.
• No dogs are allowed per Sandy City ordinances.
• Water and light snacks will be available at the finish line.
• Costumes are encouraged but not required.
• Strollers are permitted.

 

START TIME:

The race starts at 8:00 a.m. for all runners, with 10K runners at the front. On race day, there will be flags and signs indicating where to line up based on how quickly you will be running or walking (pace time), fastest to slowest so that the course can be as safe and clear as possible for all participants. We ask that you make your way to the designated area for your pace time at least 10 minutes before the race begins.

We will be using a wave start, which means each pace time group will be set off at short intervals. This helps lessen overcrowding on the course, increases safety, and ensures that faster runners are not trying to weave around those running or walking at a slower pace. If you wish to participate with family and friends, be sure you ALL choose the same pace time category.

PARKING:

Parking will fill up early! We recommend parking near Target in Sandy. There is also parking available at REI/Momentum, Sandy One Center, Aetna, and Del Sol. No parking will be allowed on the route. See the map for parking details!

If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please click here. This year’s event is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors: presenting sponsor Cameron Construction, and gold sponsors Delta Air Lines, Discover Card, and University of Utah Health.

PACKET PICKUP INFO:

When: Monday, November 13 – Friday, November 17: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

Monday, November 20 – Wednesday, November 22: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where: Utah Food Bank West Wing (directly west of our main building) – 3160 S. 930 W., Salt Lake City, UT 84119

Last-minute registration on November 22 is available in-person at packet pick-up but prices will be $35/person for either 5K or 10K, and shirts are not guaranteed.

We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

Amidst the approaching Halloween festivities, there’s a chilling fear that many of our neighbors face – the fear of not having enough to eat. The haunting worry of not knowing if you can provide for your family can keep you up at night. The harsh truth is that insufficient access to nutritious food can cast a dark shadow over every aspect of life for those experiencing food insecurity. Sadly, this is the grim reality for many of our fellow Utahns, especially our families. 

Child poverty in the United States has surged, more than doubling compared to 2021, and Utah is not immune to this concerning trend. This troubling situation unfolded in part due to the expiration of pandemic-related benefits while inflation continued to rise. This dual challenge has left many fellow Utahns struggling with tighter food budgets and facing impossible choices. 

Because of these difficulties, Utah Food Bank is experiencing a heightened demand for food distribution, underscoring the critical need for collective action in our state. Furthermore, many donors have less income available for charitable contributions as they experience similar inflationary pressures.  

But here’s the not-so-scary news: you can make a difference! This Halloween, as you select candy to share with the trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood, why not also consider adding some essential food items to your shopping list? By doing so, you can provide your Utah neighbors facing food insecurity with the assurance that comes from a full stomach and a well-stocked pantry. If you’re a Harmons shopper, you can conveniently drop off your donations at any of their locations, at one of our 230 partner agencies across the state or our warehouses. 

Uncertain about what to purchase? Begin by thinking about what your own family enjoys eating. Chances are that your neighbors facing food insecurity will appreciate similar food items. Our most-needed food items include staples like peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned meats (such as tuna, chicken and spam), chili, SpaghettiOs, ravioli, canned fruits and vegetables, and boxed meals. It’s even better if these items are low in sodium or sugar and contain all-natural ingredients. 

Remember, your generosity can have a substantial impact on the lives of those in need, right here in Utah. Together, we can ensure that Halloween isn’t just a season of scares but also a time of compassion and community support in our state. Consider a gift of food, time or money to help our neighbors have one less fear this month. 

September 15^th We Recognize Hunger Action Day

As we approach the halfway mark in September, Hunger Action Month is a crucial time to raise awareness about food insecurity and make a real impact in your community. The opportunity to have donations matched up to $50,000 by an anonymous donor is a fantastic chance to double your impact and help us reach our goal of 450,000 meals in September. Here are six additional ways you can get involved this month:

1. Make a Donation: Your financial support can make a significant difference, no matter what size your gift is. Remember that every dollar donated in September will be matched, up to $50,000, effectively doubling your contribution. For your gift to be eligible for this matching offer, click here.
2. Spread the Word: Share this message and the campaign’s details with your friends, family, and social media networks. Encourage others to donate and join the cause during Hunger Action Month. Engaging with our social media platforms can help you stay engaged and informed about our ongoing efforts to combat hunger. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @utahfoodbank.
3. Volunteer: If you have the time and availability, consider volunteering at Utah Food Bank, or one of our 230 partner agencies across the state. Our organization relies heavily on volunteer support, and your time can make a significant impact. In fact, last year we were the beneficiaries of 156,656 volunteer hours – the equivalent of 75 full-time employees. We simply could not do what we do if we had to pay staff to do what our volunteers do for us! Sign-up today!
4. Host a Fundraiser: Organize a fundraising event in your community or workplace. You can get creative with virtual fundraisers, bake sales, charity runs, or any other activity that can help raise funds for the cause. You can even create your own online fundraiser with a unique URL that you can send to your network of friends and family to help support our efforts. Learn more about DIY fundraisers
5. Learn About Hunger: Educate yourself and others about the causes of hunger and food insecurity in our community. Having a deeper understanding of the experiences of our neighbors experiencing hunger can help you motivate others to join the fight. Our website features many stories of those impacted by our work.
6. Support Local Food Drives: Participate in local food drives to collect non-perishable items for Utah Food Bank. These items can make a difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger. Food drives provide a broad variety of food that we don’t receive through commercial donations or purchased foods. This means our clients have a chance to choose the specific foods that their families enjoy, just like you do at the grocery store. Sign up to host your own food drive here.

Remember that your contribution, whether it’s a gift of food, time, or money, can make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals and families facing food insecurity. By coming together during Hunger Action Month, you can help alleviate this pressing issue and provide hope to those in need.