With the ongoing federal government shutdown, roughly 86,000 Utah families will be without food starting Nov. 1, since the government will not renew SNAP (food stamps). As uncertainty grows, many local organizations, restaurants, and neighbors are rallying to help fill the gaps. Here are a few ways to get help or give back.
Where To Donate
The Utah Food Bank and Catholic Community Services are in desperate need of:
- Nonperishable food items
- Monetary contributions
- Diapers
- Volunteers
Food Drives
Sugar House Coffee, Black Lives Matter, and SLC Pride are hosting a community care drive. Drop off nonperishable foods and hygiene products at Sugar House Coffee’s donation shelf by the back door, or check out their form for other ways to help. If you’re in need of food, you can fill out a request form.
Free Food/Meals
- The Food Justice Coalition offers a free lunch program where folks can request up to 10 freshly prepared meals per program day, delivered straight to your door.
- Sweet Hazel & Co. in Salt Lake City and Budda’s Bakery in Pleasant Grove have a pay-it-forward program. Grab a prepaid receipt from their board if you need a meal, or add one for someone else.
- Salt Lake Community Fridges in Rose Park and Sugar House stock free canned goods, nonperishable items, and refrigerated staples like eggs, milk, produce, and home cooked meals.
- Starting in November, Yummy’s Korean BBQ is offering free fried rice at their Saratoga Springs and Orem locations.
- Mumbai House in Park City, SLC, and Tooele has free meals for anyone affected by the shutdown.
- The Bread Lady has been giving away free food on her porch at 348 W. 600 N. in Salt Lake City for more than 30 years.
- Visit FeedUT to find food pantries and meal programs near you.
