SALT LAKE CITY — At the Utah Food Bank, life buzzes with activity. Forklifts glide between rows of pallets, sorting food for pantries throughout the state. For the team, the goal is clear: combat hunger.
Ginette Bott, the president and CEO, sums it up: “It’s what we do every day.” But the work is also deeply emotional. “There’s always lots of tears at the Utah Food Bank,” Bott reflects. “We see families who don’t want to be in this position.”
Last year, the food bank distributed nearly 70 million pounds of food, equating to about 58 million meals for individuals and families. Yet the need continues to grow. “Hunger doesn’t disappear after one meal,” Bott emphasizes. “Once the holidays end, the struggle resumes.” With schools on break during summer, families often face even bigger challenges.
Currently, around 445,000 people in Utah, including one in five children, are dealing with food insecurity. Bott notes that this issue intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic and has remained troubling. “The numbers haven’t decreased; they are alarming,” she says.
Rising costs are a significant factor. Families are often working hard, but wages aren’t sufficient to cover increasing expenses like rent and gas. “When budgets get tight, food is usually the first expense cut,” Bott explains.
To address this growing challenge, the Utah Food Bank is collaborating with Associated Food Stores for the annual Feed Utah food drive, happening now through Saturday. Shoppers can donate food at participating stores, and those contributions will reach pantries across the state.
“Unless you’ve faced hunger or know someone who has, it’s hard to understand,” Bott says. But everyone can extend a helping hand to those in need. The food bank urgently needs items like peanut butter, canned meats, and boxed meals.
Bott acknowledges that their mission is ongoing. Yet, each smile from someone receiving help makes every tear worthwhile. “We know our job is never done, but we’re committed to doing it as well as we can,” she states.
In recent years, food banks like Utah’s have seen a surge in community support and awareness. Social media trends highlight stories of resilience and generosity, with many sharing their experiences of helping or being helped. It’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to tackle hunger together.
According to Feeding America, food banks across the U.S. provided over 6 billion meals in 2020 alone. This reflects the increasing need for food assistance and the public’s growing commitment to alleviating food insecurity. While the road ahead may be long, each step counts in this critical fight.
