ST. GEORGE — On Saturday, March 16, faith-based congregations and other organizations will collaborate with Utah Food Bank for the third statewide Feed Utah food drive.

Residents across the state will receive door hangers during the days leading up to the food drive, and the public is asked to support this initiative by placing a bag of non-perishable food outside their front door by 9 a.m. on Saturday. Volunteers will pick up donated food, then collect and deliver it to Utah Food Bank’s warehouses, Macey’s Grocery, Lin’s and agencies and partner locations across the state.

This effort is the result of a collaboration between Utah Food Bank and its partner agencies, Macey’s Grocery, Lin’s, JustServe and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These donations will help provide food to the estimated 317,000 Utahns, and 1 in 10 Utah kids, who are unsure where their next meal will come from.

Donated food should be commercially packaged (non-glass), non-perishable and nutritious (ideally low-sodium and low-sugar items). Most-needed food items include beef stew, chili, peanut butter, boxed meals, canned meats and canned fruits and vegetables.

Residents can participate in a variety of ways, including leaving a bag of non-perishable food donations by their door, donating funds using the QR code on the door hangers that will be distributed to homes or volunteering to help receive food donations. Drop-off sites across the state include Utah Food Bank’s warehouse in St. George, any Lin’s location, participating pantry locations and other community sites. To find out more about Feed Utah, including how to sign up to volunteer, donate online or find your nearest food drop-off location, visit www.utahfoodbank.org/feedutah.

“There is power to make a difference when so many groups and individuals collaborate to help fight hunger statewide,” said Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank president and CEO. “This food drive comes at a crucial time as donations from the holidays begin to thin, but the need for assistance remains high as people are facing sky-high costs of living and inflation.”

David Rice, president and CEO of Associated Food Stores, said the work of the food drive is critical.

“As a locally owned company, we truly care about the communities we serve. Food isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity. We know food insecurity has always been a concern in our communities, especially when it comes to Utah’s youth,” Rice said. “We’re grateful to be in a position to help make a difference for our neighbors who have the most need by participating in the Feed Utah food drive.”

The food drive includes partnerships from the faith community.

“We invite all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and our friends of other faiths and neighbors in Utah to participate in the upcoming Feed Utah Food Drive. We invite people of all ages and means to consider donating food, time, and other resources to this worthy cause,” said Kevin W. Pearson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints area president.

Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank has operated under various names but remains true to its mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide by providing food to a statewide network of 245 emergency food pantries and agencies. Last fiscal year, Utah Food Bank distributed 60.2 million pounds of food and goods, the equivalent of approximately 50.1 million meals, to families and individuals in need across the state.  For more information about Utah Food Bank, visit the organization’s website.