It’s hard to believe that the term “unprecedented times” still applies, but after two years of record-setting need, is there a term that better describes 2021? There seems to be no end in sight to the pandemic’s impact and resulting uncertainty. Despite businesses and schools being open, the fact that we are still distributing record amounts of food shows that we still have a long road to recovery ahead of us, especially for the 410,000 Utahns facing hunger.
There are far too many families in communities across our state who struggle to keep a roof over their heads while making impossible choices between groceries and other essentials like medicine and electricity. The uncertainty we all faced at the end of 2020 has now been magnified by continued COVID infections, supply chain issues, and business disruptions across the board.
It’s easy to look back at the challenges faced while considering the difficulties ahead and feel discouraged. However, we here at Utah Food Bank still have reason to feel hopeful, and that reason is you. While the increased level of need has marched on, so have our supporters – meeting record-setting need with record-setting support. Your gifts of food, time and money have made a challenging time easier to bear for neighbors struggling with hunger and hardship. You’ve brought hope and comfort in a time of great need.
Thanks to you, our Holiday Food & Fund Drive was a massive success, helping stock the shelves of Utah Food Bank and emergency food pantries statewide through the holidays and into the spring months. Over 400 community groups and businesses across the state registered food and fund drives during this busy time. Special thanks to our Holiday Food & Fund Drive sponsors B92.1 FM, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, Harmons, Riverton Chevrolet and Wells Fargo for their support in this effort.
On top of that, our $100,000 End of Year Donation Match from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation and $65,000 Bonus Donation Match from an anonymous donor were both met and exceeded, reminding us once again how kind and generous our supporters are! Talk about ending the year on a high note!
Your generosity gives food and hope to those who need it. Thank you for your partnership and support as we work together to fight hunger in Utah. Our work is not done, and we couldn’t do it without you!
