Utah residents are gearing up for the third annual Feed Utah food drive on March 16th, organized in collaboration with faith-based congregations and various organizations. This concerted effort aims to support Utah Food Bank in addressing the prevalent issue of hunger affecting numerous Utahns.
In the lead-up to March 16th, residents will receive door hangers prompting them to participate by placing a bag filled with non-perishable food items outside their front doors by 9 a.m. Volunteers will collect these donations and distribute them to Utah Food Bank’s warehouses, Macey’s Grocery, Lin’s, and other partner locations statewide.
The donations received will play a vital role in assisting an estimated 317,000 Utahns, including 1 in 10 children, who face food insecurity. Donors are encouraged to contribute commercially packaged (non-glass), non-perishable, and nutritious items, with a focus on low-sodium and low-sugar options such as beef stew, chili, peanut butter, boxed meals, canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Residents can engage with the initiative in multiple ways, including leaving food donations, contributing funds via the QR code on door hangers, or volunteering to assist with donations reception. Drop-off locations span across the state, including Utah Food Bank’s warehouses in Salt Lake, Springville, St. George, and Blanding, as well as Macey’s Grocery or Lin’s outlets, participating pantry sites, and other community venues.
Partnerships with key stakeholders such as Utah Food Bank, Macey’s Grocery, Lin’s, JustServe, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underscore the collective effort required to combat hunger statewide. Ginette Bott, President & CEO of Utah Food Bank, stresses the significance of collaborative action, especially during times of heightened economic challenges.
David Rice, President & CEO of Associated Food Stores, echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the responsibility of locally owned companies in supporting communities facing food insecurity. Their involvement in the Feed Utah food drive highlights the tangible impact of corporate social responsibility.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Utah Area Presidency expresses gratitude towards all individuals and groups demonstrating kindness, compassion, and Christlike service. They extend an invitation to members and friends of various faiths across Utah to actively participate in the upcoming Feed Utah Food Drive.
How You Can Help Raise Awareness:
- Share on Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness. We encourage you and individual church units to post about the event on your personal, ward, and/or stake organizational social media accounts.
Use hashtags such as #FeedUtah and #EndHunger to amplify the message.
Find the social media toolkit with graphics and suggested text here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QURFU_QaSmDY-GRxZP4yc9ZqAwPTEziL
Shareable stories are located on YouTube and at this page: https://www.utahfoodbank.org/faces-of-hunger/
- Engage Your Community: Encourage members of your community to participate in the event. Whether it’s volunteering their time, donating resources, or simply spreading the word, every contribution makes a difference.
- Participate Yourself: Your presence at the event would mean a lot to us. Join us in showing solidarity with those experiencing food insecurity and demonstrating our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities.
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J Washburn
Guest Author
