Two food pantries in northern Utah, one small and one larger, are seeing a rise in demand as furloughed federal workers seek assistance. This change is straining resources just as donations have dipped.
At Tri-City Exchange in North Ogden, a recent survey revealed that over 700 new visitors cited furloughs—primarily affecting employees from the IRS center in Ogden—as their reason for needing food aid. Mike Larson, the pantry’s founder, shared his concern, saying, “Demand is unreal. It makes me emotional.”
Further north, the Box Elder Community Pantry in Brigham City is also serving federal employees. Executive director Joleen Groberg expressed sadness that government workers must rely on private food pantries to feed themselves. She noted that while the need grows, donations have decreased substantially over the past few years.
This increasing demand and declining donations might lead Box Elder to limit how much food each person can receive. Tammy Gonzalez, who relies on the pantry while living on disability, worries about this potential rationing. “It would be sad,” she said. “This is how I make it through the month.”
In recent years, similar trends have emerged across the U.S., with food pantries reporting higher visitor numbers while grappling with fewer donations. According to a study by Feeding America, more than 54 million people faced food insecurity in 2020, a staggering increase triggered by economic downturns and unexpected events, like the pandemic.
These pantries illustrate a critical issue: the growing number of people in need, including those who traditionally might not seek help. As conversations about food security continue on social media platforms, more individuals are sharing their experiences, revealing a community that strives to support one another during tough times.
For further insights on this topic, you can read more through Feeding America about the ongoing challenges and solutions regarding food insecurity.
