Utahn's charitable nature unique

Utahn's charitable nature unique

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SALT LAKE CITY — 'Tis the season for giving, and it's an important time of year in the Utah Food Bank's efforts to fight hunger.

In 2014, the Utah Food Bank distributed the equivalent of 31 million meals to individuals and families, according to Ginette Bott, the food bank's chief development officer.

In the 90-day holiday period from Oct. 13, 2014, to Jan. 13, 2015, the food bank received monetary and product donations that amounted to about 12.3 million meals — more than one-third of the annual meals distributed, Bott said.

Holiday donations in 2014 were up by about 375,000 pounds of food from the previous year, and food bank officials are hoping 2015 efforts will top that figure by 300,000 pounds.

Bott said there is a continual need to increase incoming goods and money to provide meals for needy Utahns every year.

"You'll always hear us ask for three things: food, time and money," she said.

A 2014 Gallup poll ranked Utah as the most charitable state in the nation, posting the highest percentage of people who said they've given money or donated their time to charity, or a combination of both.

In the 2014 holiday period, 15,158 people donated 22,737 volunteer hours to the Utah Food Bank, Bott said.

"People in Utah are so supportive and so compassionate and so giving," she said. "We really understand that citizens of Utah are unique and special."

But the food bank struggles with inventory during the summer months when most children are out of school and aren't receiving free breakfast and lunch, Bott said.

Large, seasonal monetary donations help handle peaks in demand during the summer months, she said.

David Allred, the director of management services for C.R. England and a member of the Utah Food Bank board of directors, is heavily involved in supporting the Utah Food Bank.

C.R. England has supported the food bank by donating vehicles and trailers and with monetary contributions from the company and employees.

"We just try to be a supportive partner in areas where they might not have the resources," Allred said, specifically noting it is easier for the food bank to use transportation donated in-kind instead of renting or leasing vehicles.

Allred said C.R. England makes a significant contribution to the Utah Food Bank to allow employees to participate in the annual fun run, the Utah Human Race. About 250 employees and their family members will be running in the Thanksgiving Day race in Draper.


People in Utah are so supportive and so compassionate and so giving. We really understand that citizens of Utah are unique and special.

–Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank chief development officer


C.R. England also will deliver a few trailers for the food bank to use for additional temporary storage to keep up with the influx of goods, Allred said.

"They have the trucks so that we don't have to buy them," Bott said "We have the need; they can provide the service. So it is a great partnership."

Year-round needs for certain foods and household goods trump demand and need for seasonal food items, she said.

"We came to the realization that we need to provide for a family for more than just one afternoon," Bott said of holiday donations.

The Utah Food Bank specifically needs nonperishable food items such as peanut butter, canned chicken and tuna, low-sodium canned vegetables, low-sugar canned fruits and box meals. Instant macaroni and cheese is the most popular item among children, Bott said.

"The rule of thumb is that if you buy it for your family, another family could use it as well," she said.

Bott lists detergent, diapers and dog food as year-round needs for food bank patrons.

For every dollar donated to the Utah Food Bank, only 4 cents goes to administrative costs, and $1 can translate into $7.35 of goods and services because of in-kind donations and partnerships, Bott said.

Those interested in donating time, food or money can visit utahfoodbank.org for locations and events.

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Chris Larson

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