In Utah County, the Food and Care Coalition stands as a beacon of hope for those experiencing poverty and homelessness. Recently, the Coalition reached an extraordinary milestone by serving its 3 millionth meal. This is a powerful testament to the coalition’s decades-long commitment to nourishing both body and spirit. Its mission, however, extends far beyond providing food.
Through a holistic and collaborative approach, the coalition offers a full spectrum of onsite services that address both immediate needs and long-term well-being. From hygiene and healthcare to housing and education, the organization is transforming lives and helping individuals regain stability and self-sufficiency.
Nutritious meals
Seven days a week, the Food and Care Coalition serves balanced, nutritious meals. In fact, more than 105,000 meals were served in 2024 alone. This remarkable effort is sustained by over 450 generous donors, including caterers, bakeries, grocery stores, private individuals, and community gardens.
Each year, more than 7,000 volunteers—students, families, service missionaries, churches, and local businesses—come together to help serve meals, creating a welcoming environment where dignity and hope can flourish.
Hygiene and basic necessities
Personal hygiene plays a vital role in maintaining dignity, health, and self-confidence. The Coalition provides showers, laundry facilities, and hygiene products to those in need. These are critical resources for individuals seeking employment or housing.
Each year, over $100,000 worth of essential items are distributed, including sleeping bags, coats, shoes, socks, and gloves.
Medical, dental, and mental health care
Health challenges often stand in the way of progress for those facing poverty or homelessness. The coalition partners with Mountainlands Community Health Center to provide medical and dental care, and with Wasatch Behavioral Health to offer mental health services. These services are all onsite and at no cost to clients.
Educational support
In collaboration with My Story Matters, the Food and Care Coalition offers educational programs designed to build resilience, confidence, and life skills. These initiatives help clients develop the tools and self-belief necessary to create lasting, positive change.
Transitional housing
Stable housing is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency. The coalition provides transitional housing, including 26 units for men and 12 for women, allowing residents to focus on employment, education, and personal development as they prepare to move into permanent housing.
Candlelight villas: A permanent housing solution
One of the Coalition’s most significant achievements is Candlelight Villas, which is a 72-unit permanent housing complex that opened in July of 2022. Each resident enjoys a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment within a safe, community-oriented environment. Designed around a pocket neighborhood concept, Candlelight Villas promotes connection and mutual support through shared patios, barbecue areas, and green spaces, helping residents rebuild not just their lives, but a sense of belonging.
A path to self-sufficiency
The Food and Care Coalition’s integrated model has produced countless success stories. By combining essential services, including food, shelter, healthcare, education, and emotional support, the coalition empowers individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity, independence, and hope.
Remarkably, all of this is accomplished by just eight full-time and 20 part-time employees, supported by a vast network of community volunteers. It’s a powerful example of what compassion and collaboration can achieve.
How you can help
As fall turns to winter, many in our community face the cold without shelter or basic necessities. The need for winter sleeping bags, coats, hats, gloves, and non-fleece blankets is urgent.
Your donations bring warmth, comfort, and hope to those who need it most. Consider dropping off needed items, organizing a donation drive, or contributing online at links.servedaily.com/food-and-care or using the QR code below. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference. Together, we can ensure that no one faces winter’s chill alone.
The Food and Care Coalition
299 East 900 South, Provo
801-373-1825 | volunteer@foodcare.org
Submitted by Greg Smith
