On August 7, community leaders gathered for an update at the Utah Food Bank Southeast Distribution Center. The gathering highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity in Utah, where nearly 494,000 individuals, including one in seven children, struggle to access enough food.
Ginette Bott, President and CEO of the Utah Food Bank, opened the session by sharing the organization’s remarkable history dating back to 1904. She explained their unique mission: to distribute food free of charge to partner pantries, a practice uncommon among food banks nationwide.
Over the years, the Utah Food Bank has expanded its reach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they responded to increased need by improving their distribution methods. This included expanding their facility in St. George and building a new one in Springville. They also built a distribution center in Blanding and food pantries in nearby Montezuma Creek and Monument Valley. These expansions were funded through $52 million dollars raised without debt, with a significant portion coming from federal COVID relief funding.
Ron “RT” Nielson, who oversees the Southeastern Distribution Center, reported impressive statistics for the last fiscal year. They distributed over 1.3 million pounds of food, serving 13,172 households in San Juan County through 33,022 pantry visits. Patrons can visit twice a month, receiving an average of 41 pounds of food each time.
A notable initiative is the grocery rescue program, which partners with 424 grocery stores across the state to salvage food close to expiration. Last year, this program rescued 23 million pounds of food, preventing it from going to waste while ensuring that it reaches those in need. Locally, food rescued from businesses like Maverik gas stations and Clarks Market has made a significant impact.
The growth of these facilities has also created jobs, providing nine full-time and two part-time positions in San Juan County. Despite the challenges, Nielson pointed out that demand is high. On one recent Tuesday, 99 patrons came through in just four hours.
Nielson shared a personal story about his upbringing in the area, reflecting on how such a facility could have helped his family. His perspective underscores the real impact that access to food can have on families in the community.
The Utah Food Bank is seeking support from community members through volunteering, donations of time, food, or money. They offer flexible volunteer opportunities for those interested in helping out. One standout volunteer, Denise Lyman, is particularly inspiring—she’s 90 years old and contributes every Wednesday.
Additionally, the Feed Utah Food Drive recently collected 7,500 pounds of food, and the Food Bank aims to surpass that next year. They’re also adapting to the community’s needs by focusing on nutrition and dietary preferences, including culturally specific foods and items for health issues like diabetes.
For more information on the Utah Food Bank’s initiatives and volunteer opportunities, you can visit their official site here.
In a world where food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue, organizations like the Utah Food Bank play a vital role in providing relief and support to those in need. As they grow and adapt, they remind us of the importance of community and the profound impact we can have through small acts of service.
