For more than a decade, Victor Velivis has wondered what would happen to the Utah Diaper Bank once he could no longer carry the load — literally and figuratively. The nonprofit’s founder launched the organization in 2013 and, after retiring in 2017, devoted himself full time to running it on a volunteer basis. Velivis built the diaper bank from the ground up into a lifeline for families across the state.
But the work has been demanding.
“The pallets feel a little heavier now. The boxes are a little heavier. My knees ache a little bit more,” Velivis told the Deseret News. “Most of our volunteers are older, like me. Finding a way to make this sustainable was the most important thing to me.”
Utah Food Bank steps in
Now, Velivis has his answer. On Friday, at the annual HomeAid Utah Diaper Drive in Draper, the Utah Food Bank announced it will acquire the volunteer-run organization, folding its operations into a new UFB Diaper Program. The move promises to expand diaper distribution statewide and ensure the effort continues well beyond Velivis’ tenure.
“I’ve always worried about whether it would keep going after I’m gone,” Velivis told the Deseret News. “Now I have no doubt that not only will it sustain, but it will be able to grow. They have the power to do that.”
Founded in 1904, the Utah Food Bank has long been “fighting hunger statewide.” In 2023, it provided 54.6 million meals to Utahns through seven food bank facilities and a network of 270 partner organizations across all 29 counties. With its infrastructure, statewide reach and donor base, the food bank is seen as well positioned to expand the diaper program.
Meeting demand across Utah
The Utah Diaper Bank has grown dramatically since distributing 11,000 diapers in its first year. In 2024 alone, it provided nearly 2 million diapers, but demand has increasingly outpaced its capacity. Transferring operations to the Utah Food Bank is being described as a natural next step.
In a press release, Utah Food Bank President and CEO Ginette Bott said the new initiative will carry the diaper bank’s mission forward. “Through the integration of the Utah Diaper Bank, we will honor its legacy by launching the UFB Diaper Program,” Bott said. “Supporters will now be able to contribute directly through financial gifts or by donating diapers, whether individually or through commercial partnerships. When families no longer have to choose between feeding their children or keeping them clean, they can focus on building healthy, stable futures for the next generation of Utahns.”
The mission positioned to grow
Since its founding, the Utah Diaper Bank has distributed more than 10 million diapers to families across the state. Velivis expressed gratitude to supporters and encouraged them to continue backing the program under its new leadership.
“We’re incredibly fortunate that Utah Food Bank is taking over the diaper distribution in Utah,” said Velivis. “Their stewardship of this program ensures both growth and long-term impact. Thank you to everyone who has helped us supply over 10 million diapers since I founded the organization — I hope you will all continue to support this vital work in its new home.”
Community partners also voiced support for the transition.
“HomeAid Utah is proud to support the Utah Diaper Bank in its mission to serve families in need,” said Brian Diggs, HomeAid Utah executive director. “Our commitment to community engagement and education remains central to the HomeAid Utah mission. We are confident that the Utah Food Bank will continue this vital work with dedication and impact.”
For Velivis — and the thousands of Utah families the organization has served — the announcement brings both relief and reassurance: A mission born in retirement is now positioned to grow well into the future.