Utah Food Bank welcomed a special delivery from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sept. 24 at its Timpanogos Distribution Center in Springville. This donation was part of the nationwide America250 celebration, marking another milestone in a campaign designed to strengthen communities across the country. This delivery was particularly significant, representing the 251st truck distributed through the America250 initiative.
Community leaders, faith representatives and local residents gathered to celebrate the donation, which comes at a critical time for Utah families facing food insecurity. The contribution will help Utah Food Bank continue its mission of providing food assistance throughout all 29 counties in the state. Additionally, the 32,000 pounds donated through this initiative will provide the equivalent of 26,000 meals to support the 10-county area serviced by Utah Food Bank Timpanogos Distribution Center.
The partnership between Utah Food Bank and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spans generations. Utah Food Bank leadership noted that the relationship likely dates back to the organization’s earliest years, shortly after the food bank began operations in 1904. Last year alone, Utah Food Bank distributed 58 million meals free of charge through its direct service programs and network of 309 partner agencies statewide.
Last year alone, 8 million of those meals were distributed from the Utah Food Bank Timpanogos Distribution Center. Many partner agencies across Utah and throughout the nation are also benefiting from donations connected to the America250 effort.
The donation arrives as food assistance organizations face heightened demand. According to Utah Food Bank, approximately 445,000 Utahns, including one in five Utah children, experience food insecurity. Rising housing costs, inflation, and increasing expenses for everyday necessities have contributed to growing demand at food pantries and hunger relief programs across the state.
The event concluded with attendees helping unload the truck and gathering for photos with the specially branded America250 vehicle, commemorating both the donation and the nationwide campaign’s continuing impact
Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank President & CEO said that support from community partners like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is “essential” as the organization works to meet a “level of demand that has surpassed what we saw during the height of the pandemic.”
“We are so grateful for these high quality and nutritious food items to help us ensure families have reliable access to healthy food during challenging times,” she added.
Those who would like to get involved with Utah Food Bank Timpanogos Distribution Center can volunteer or donate food at the facility.
Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Food or funds can also be donated directly at the facility, which is located at 1900 W 900 S in Springville.
For more information about Utah Food Bank Timpanogos Distribution Center, visit UtahFoodBank.org/about/Timpanogos-distribution-center.
