Food bank aims for a mile of donations

Food bank aims for a mile of donations


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SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of cans, boxes, and bags of food is lining the sidewalks of downtown Salt Lake Friday, in an effort to beat hunger.

Throughout the morning, the Utah Food Bank has taken donations, lining the food up. Their goal? To reach the State Capitol from 450 S. State Street — nearly a mile long. As of 12 p.m., they had nearly reached South Temple.

While the goal is to get to the capitol, the message is to raise awareness about hungry families in Utah and the need for donated food.

"Its a great way to make people remember it's important to give to the food bank," said Pam Jolley, who passed by the display.

Last year the Utah Food Bank provided 26 million meals to families around the state. This year, they expect to provide 28 million. As we head towards the holiday season, donations are greatly needed.

"We just had a hunger conference these last two days and we've heard lots of stories from our rural communities and there seems to be a great need in the small towns across the state," said Utah Food Bank spokesperson Ginette Bott.

The items most needed right now are those packed with protein: Peanut butter, tuna, canned stew, and beans.

"Just the basic things the families are interested in, that you would buy for your family, that's what we need for these families as well," Bott said.

Their goal today and into the holiday season, Bott says, can only be accomplished with the help of the community.

"Those of us who are out fundraising, trying to help those in need area, are very appreciative of those who continue to give year after year to get what we're trying to accomplish," Bott said.

Approximately 27,000 cans of food are needed to get to the capitol. The Beating Hunger by a Mile event will continue all day.

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