Utah Food Bank's Annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive Going Green
Utah Food Bank asks public to donate online or bring non-perishables to drop-off points
SALT LAKE CITY - November 10, 2014 - Utah Food Bank's annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive runs through January 15, 2015. This important campaign helps stock the shelves of the food bank and emergency food pantries across the state all year long.
This year, Utah Food Bank is working to reduce waste by not distributing donation bags. Instead, the food bank is asking donors to either donate online through a virtual bag or bring non-perishables in their own bag to several statewide drop-off locations. With this year's theme of "You have the green light to give" Utah Food Bank hopes to encourage people to Fight Hunger Statewide in a more eco-friendly way.
When people fill a virtual bag online, Utah Food Bank is able to provide $7.61 worth of goods and services with every donated dollar. Those who would like to donate non-perishable items can use any bag or box and take them to Utah Food Bank; a local food pantry; or any Smith's Food & Drug, RC Willey or Riverton Motors location.
"Hunger is such a critical need for our community to address," said Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank chief development officer. "One of every five kids in Utah risk missing a meal today due to lack of resources. We work to make sure Utahns get enough to eat, and if we can be more eco-friendly while fulfilling our mission, then that is even better."
Last fiscal year, the food bank distributed 31.3 million meals to help the 444,000 people in Utah who are unsure where their next meal will come from. Utah Food Bank distributes food through a statewide network 134 emergency food pantries throughout all 29 counties.
"This time of year is one of hope and joy for so many people, but it can also be a tremendous strain for those who don't have enough to eat," Bott said. "The donations we receive through the Holiday Food & Fund Drive will help those across the state well into 2015."
The Holiday Food & Fund Drive is sponsored by RC Willey, Riverton Motors, Siegfried & Jensen, Smith's Food & Drug Stores and Cherry Creek Radio. Visit www.utahfoodbank.org for a complete list of drop-off locations or to fill a virtual donation bag.
About Utah Food Bank
Utah Food Bank provides food to a statewide network of 134 emergency food pantries and agencies. Last fiscal year, Utah Food Bank distributed 37.5 million pounds of food and goods, the equivalent of approximately 31.3 million meals for families and individuals in need. Utah Food Bank also served just under 245,000 Kids Cafe meals, delivered almost 41,000 food boxes and filled more than 60,000 kids' backpacks to ensure hunger-free weekends. For more information about Utah Food Bank, visit www.utahfoodbank.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UtahFoodBank and Twitter at www.twitter.com/UtahFoodBank.
