Food insecurity is a growing challenge across the nation, and Utah is no exception. Here in Utah, many face a hidden struggle to secure enough nutritious food, and the need is only increasing. At Utah Food Bank, we are committed to addressing this issue, especially as the number of people experiencing hunger across the state has risen significantly. The statistics are sobering: 1 in 8 Utahns, including 1 in 6 children, are food insecure. These are not just numbers—they represent our neighbors, classmates, and loved ones. Today, 415,000 Utahns face uncertainty about where their next meal will come from—a sharp increase of nearly 100,000 in just the last year.
Hunger is not limited to any one season; it’s an ongoing struggle. Rising housing costs and other economic pressures are making it increasingly difficult for many families to afford necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. Food insecurity is part of a larger cycle, where families are often forced to make difficult choices between basic needs, such as paying rent, keeping the lights on, or buying groceries. These impossible choices have a profound impact on physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
According to a report from Feeding America, people across the U.S. experienced a $33.1 billion gap in funding for basic food needs in 2022. Yet, nearly half of those affected will not qualify for aid. This shortfall—the highest in two decades when adjusted for inflation—is largely driven by rising food prices and other economic factors. More than 40 percent of U.S. households struggle to afford the basics, often forced to make daily sacrifices just to get by.
At Utah Food Bank, we provide a wide range of programs that offer immediate help to families. We recognize that food insecurity is a complex issue that requires sustained collaborative efforts. Although Utah has made strides in addressing food insecurity, the demand for food support is growing faster than our resources can meet it, underscoring the importance of a community-wide response.
Your support—whether through your gift of food, time, or money —is essential to help us fight hunger and create a healthier, more stable future for all Utahns. Your kindness today can give our neighbors not only the food to survive but also the food to celebrate and share.