As demand for food assistance reaches an all-time high, governments, nonprofits, businesses and educational institutions across Utah are stepping up to care for families struggling with food insecurity. Yet, even as we witness these acts of service, we live in a time that can feel increasingly disconnected and divided. This moment, with so many organizations uniting around a common cause, offers the perfect opportunity for us to come together as citizens of Utah. We can and will take care of our own. As we do, let us invite every Utahn to join us in the Utah Week of Giving.
In my role as a state representative, I have the privilege of crossing paths with Utah’s business leaders, philanthropists, government officials and everyday citizens. Recently, our conversations have inevitably turned to the same concern: How will we feed our neighbors in need, and who is doing what to help? With so many groups independently coalescing around the same mission, it struck me that this is one of those rare moments when our collective compassion can not only meet a critical need but also strengthen us as a state; perhaps it can even help us heal from the challenges we’ve faced together.
We often refer to the way we work together as “the Utah way." The phrase may sound like a cliché, but it carries real meaning. It represents working respectfully, solving problems collaboratively and serving our neighbors selflessly. I hear it almost daily within the walls of the Capitol. The Utah way is woven into the DNA of our state. It’s the culture that built our communities and made Utah the economic and social success story it is today. Many worry that we’re at risk of losing that culture. This is our chance to live it once again.
For many Utah families, this is a critical moment. Federal assistance uncertainties, inflation, rising housing costs and wage pressures have driven food insecurity to levels few of us have seen in our lifetimes. Despite the tireless efforts of many, there are — and will continue to be — gaps in food availability this November and into the holiday season.
This challenge is not confined to one area or demographic. From urban centers to rural towns, from north to south, every corner of our state is affected. This isn’t just a Wasatch Front issue that can be solved by a few major players, nor a rural problem that local community leaders can carry alone. This is a Utah problem, and we must unite in the Utah way to meet it.
As I’ve reflected on both the enormity of the need and the generosity of those willing to help, I realized that a single, unified effort could make a real difference for Utah families. That’s how the Utah Week of Giving was born. From Nov. 3-9, private industry, chambers of commerce, elected leaders, philanthropic organizations, state agencies and educational institutions will share a unified message of service. Together, we can ensure that no Utahn goes hungry.
There are many ways you and your family can help. Budgets are tight for many, but even a small act of generosity can make a big difference. Consider donating a dollar for every member of your family or organization. Every $1 donated provides three meals through the Utah Food Bank.
You can also help by spreading the word. Share Utah Week of Giving graphics on social media, include the QR code or link to the Utah Food Bank donation portal, and use the hashtag #UtahWeekOfGiving. Encourage your friends, co-workers, or congregation to take part, and display the flyer in your business, school or community space. Every effort, big or small, helps build momentum and strengthens our shared goal of feeding Utah families.
We want to promote giving and serving in any capacity. You may want to donate to your local food bank or another organization; any act of service is encouraged. The true goal is to come together for one week in a common cause to heal, unite and serve our neighbors.
Please join us, and I mean us in the truest sense: the many generous Utahns giving their time and resources to not only feed families but also to unify our communities, strengthen our state and preserve the Utah way during the Utah Week of Giving.