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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Food prices have skyrocketed in the last few years. Following a brutal dry spell in 2012, prices are expected to rise as much as 4 percent in 2013. This translates to an extra $40 a month in food costs, according to some estimates.
What this means for us in Utah is that more people than ever before are in need. The Utah Food Bank is aware that one in five Utahns are at risk of missing at least one meal per day and one in five Utah children are food insecure. An impoverished family of four makes about $22,000 a year to cover health care costs, shelter, food and other household expenses. Utah is currently ranked fourth in the nation for food insecurity, which means that individuals are at risk of missing or skipping a meal due to a lack of resources.
In Utah we're taught to take care of our own. As a community bank, Zions strives to be actively involved in important community issues and wants to help provide for those in our own communities. That's why starting Monday, September 9, Zions Bank is teaming with the Utah Food Bank to help fight hunger.
The Utah Food Bank currently distributes over 30 million pounds of food to 150 pantries and agencies worldwide. This organization can stretch a donation of just $1 into $7 worth of food and services. That's why every donation can change a life, no matter the amount.
The Utah Food Bank is also supporting the Backpack Program where they provide balanced and nutritious meals for school children over the weekend. Each child receives a backpack filled with enough food for six meals and two snacks. In 2012, the Utah Food Bank distributed over 43,000 backpacks to Utah's children.
From now through September 27, stop by any Zions Bank financial center to donate or visit zionsbank.com/donate. In honor of the bank's recent 140th anniversary, Zions Bank will match your donations, up to a collective $140,000.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Utah Food Bank www.utahfoodbank.org
