Utah’s Statewide Food Drive: Thousands of Donations Lift Up Families in Need

SALT LAKE CITY — Last Saturday, volunteers across Utah stepped up to help those in need by collecting food donations for the annual Feed Utah food drive. One volunteer, Molly Conroy, shared how her daughters and their friends inspired her through their work at the Utah Food Bank’s Salt Lake headquarters.

“The kids are teaching me,” she said. “I feel like this next generation is leading the way.”

This event united thousands of volunteers in a statewide effort. They distributed door hangers, collected food from homes, and delivered it to 90 food banks and pantries throughout Utah.

Heidi Cannella from the Utah Food Bank highlighted the significance of this drive, noting that it’s their largest single-day food collection each year. Last year, the drive helped provide around 2 million meals to families in need. This year, the demand is expected to be even greater.

Cannella explained, “We’re seeing an increase in need due to the high cost of living and inflation. Many people are struggling to make ends meet.”

For 17-year-old Lillian Conroy, volunteering was a no-brainer. “Food is such an essential part of life,” she said. “If we can help, why not?”

Lillian encouraged her mother to join her to show that fighting hunger takes all of us working together. “They are teaching me about how to be engaged,” Molly added with a smile.

The outpouring of community support amazed Lillian. "It’s encouraging to see people driving in with trailers of food," she remarked. "It’s great that we can get out here and do this.”

Food donations from the drive will be distributed throughout the state in the coming weeks. Those who missed their chance to donate can still bring non-perishable items to the Utah Food Bank.

This drive not only highlights the community’s generosity but also the ongoing struggle many face to access food. According to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity affects over 10% of households nationwide. Local initiatives like Feed Utah play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, underscoring the power of community action.

For further information or to make a monetary donation, visit utahfoodbank.org.

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