Salt Lake Co. gives Utah Food Bank $750,000 to relieve C-19 food shortage

Salt Lake County leaders have approved a $750,000 grant to aid the Utah Food Bank in its efforts to feed needy families during the current crisis. The grant funds will allow the Utah Food Bank to provide 1.1 million pounds of food to residents of Salt Lake County, officials said.

“As we’ve worked with residents and our community partners these past two months during the pandemic, we saw this great need requiring our response,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “No family should go hungry as we work together to remain safe during this public health crisis. To that end, we’re anxious to further our great partnership with Utah Food Bank.”

The pandemic has created new challenges for residents facing food insecurity, according to Utah Food Bank. Some localities’ needs have increased two to three times across Utah, while individual and retail food donations have decreased.

“We are so thankful for the strong leadership that Salt Lake County has shown during this crisis, and thank Mayor Wilson, the County Council, and all of their staff for the work they are doing to manage this challenge,” said Ginette Bott, president and CEO of Utah Food Bank.

As part of the grant from Salt Lake County, gloves, masks and other personal protection equipment will also be included for the health and safety of Utah Food Bank’s staff working with the public.