February is often called the month of love. Valentine’s Day reminds us to celebrate the people and connections that matter most. But love can go far beyond roses and chocolates—it can be a warm meal shared with someone in need, a grocery bag filled with essential items, or a simple act of kindness that reminds people they’re not alone.
The Growing Need in Utah
Hunger is an issue that touches every corner of Utah. More than 415,000 Utahns are food insecure, including 1 in 6 children. These families aren’t worried about what they will eat for dinner… They’re worried if they will have dinner at all.
The reasons for food insecurity vary. Rising housing costs, unexpected medical bills, job loss, and inflation have left many families stretched thin. Often, parents skip meals to ensure their children are fed, or seniors on fixed incomes choose between buying groceries or medication. Access to healthy food should never be a matter of chance, cost, or circumstance.
Why Giving Matters
At its heart, food is more than sustenance. It’s a symbol of care, comfort, and connection. A warm meal can provide not only physical nourishment but also hope and reassurance during tough times. When you donate to Utah Food Bank, you’re not just filling bellies—you’re showing families that they matter and that their community supports them.
Here’s some of the ways you can share your heart with our neighbors facing hunger:
- Give Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, peanut butter, pasta, and rice are staples for many families. Every can or box you give helps fill an empty pantry and brings relief to someone who might otherwise go hungry.
- Give Time: Volunteering time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Whether you’re sorting food in our warehouse, or delivering meals to homebound seniors, your efforts directly impact lives.
- Give Money: With our partnerships and resources, we can turn just $1 into $7.80 worth of goods and services for those in need. Your financial gifts help us keep shelves stocked, fuel our delivery trucks, and get food to all 29 counties statewide.
Programs That Spread Love Year-Round
At Utah Food Bank, we operate several programs that provide support to families:
- Mobile Pantries: A drive-through food distribution resource for families in need of nutritional assistance.
- Kids Cafe: Filling the nutrition gap that often exists during out-of-school hours for many children who rely on free or reduced-price meal programs during the school day.
- Mobile School Panties: This program provides a cost-effective food distribution point for children and their families at the end of the school day in a safe and trusted environment—the school.
- Food Box Programs: We deliver monthly boxes of nutritious food to help to homebound seniors and people with disabilities stay healthy and independent.
These programs, and many more, are strengthened by your gifts of food, time, and money.
How You Can Help
Here are a few ways to make an impact:
- Host a Food Drive: Gather your friends, coworkers, or community group to collect non-perishable items. Every can counts!
- Donate Online: A financial donation is one of the most efficient ways to support our mission. From our secure donation link, you can opt to make a one-time or recurring donation.
- DIY Fundraisers: A DIY Fundraiser can be anything you want it to be! Create a unique fundraising page, share the link with your friends and family, and all donations are processed securely through our JustGiving platform!
- Volunteer: Sign up for a shift at our warehouse or explore other volunteer opportunities statewide.
- Spread Awareness: Share our mission on social media and encourage others to get involved. Together, we can amplify the message that food is love.
Fighting Hunger Statewide Together
As you celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, let’s extend that love beyond our homes and into our communities. Whether it’s a box of mac and cheese, an hour of your time, or a financial gift, every contribution is a symbol of care and compassion.