Tooele Food Pantry struggling to keep up with demand

TOOELE, Utah — Food banks across the state are struggling to fill their shelves to provide meals for families in need.

Rising inflation has forced many people to turn to the Tooele Food Pantry to eat. But with fewer food donations from different places, it’s tough keeping up with demand.

“Normally, this walk-in freezer is full, and we have a variety of food for our families and as you can see, it’s empty,” said Christy Johnson with the Tooele Community Resource Center. “Normally, it’s full of hamburger, chicken, pork, roast.”

They partner with local grocery stores but rely solely on the Utah Food Bank.

Here are the biggest needs at the Tooele Community Resource Center in #TooeleCounty #KSLTV pic.twitter.com/y7JrHvAboR

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“The last couple of deliveries we’ve seen are lots of green beans and powdered milk,” said Johnson.

And lots of garbanzo beans. Far from a complete meal to feed the 500 families and 500 unsheltered folks who rely on this assistance every month.

“This is a huge increase, and this will continue to rise. Inflation is affecting everybody,” said Johnson.

A significant food drive they put on with the Utah Food Bank every year was canceled due to staffing and logistics.

“We had over 60,000 pounds of food that was brought into this pantry in one day,” said Johnson.

So, they’re asking the community to donate low stock items such as canned fruits, soup, stew, any hearty meals that can go a long way.

“If you get your nails done, give that up for a week or a month and do something for someone else because we have so many people in need.”

Johnson said many of the people coming through their doors for the first time are employed, they have jobs, but they can’t afford food because most of their paycheck is going to rent and other necessities.

To donate to the Tooele Food Pantry, click here.