LOCAL NEWS

Large need for food and money donations to give families Thanksgiving meals

Nov 14, 2024, 5:41 PM | Updated: 6:38 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Just two weeks before Thanksgiving, there’s a dire need for food in Utah. Local pantries and the Utah Food Bank are pleading for donations so they can provide Thanksgiving meals to struggling Utah families.

Local pantry shelves may be stocked, but with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming, they won’t stay that way.

“A lot of families with children, people that are working that have jobs are struggling,” Pastor Shawn Clay, Salt Lake City Mission executive director, said.

Clay runs the Salt Lake City Mission, and right now he’s short about the half food he needs to provide 500 boxes of free Thanksgiving meals to families without enough money for food, and the homeless he’ll feed for the holiday.

“(We’re) reaching out for donations of hams, turkeys, canned cranberries, vegetables, pumpkin pies,” Clay said.

That need for donations is statewide.

“Currently there are about 413,000 people in Utah who are food insecure, meaning they don’t know where their next meal is coming from. One in six of those are children,” Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank president and CEO, said

Bott said families can’t keep up with rising costs.

“Families are trying to balance a budget that isn’t stretching as far as it needs to go,” Bott said.

To meet that increased demand, the Food Bank and pantries need more donations. Without them, some Utah families may not have a meal this Thanksgiving to be thankful for.

“People rely and are dependent on these Thanksgiving meals,” Clay told KSL TV.

If you want to help, there are two things you need to know. The Salt Lake City Mission plans to give away those Thanksgiving box meals on November 22nd at 11 a.m. at their location on 1151 S. Redwood Rd. in Salt Lake City.

So, if you want to donate, make sure to get your donations to them before then. Or if you’d like to donate instead to the Utah Food Bank, which does provide food to pantries like the Salt Lake City Mission, every dollar you give ends up being $7.60 they can spend on food.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

SAN LEANDRO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: New Kia cars are displayed on the sales lot at San Leandro Kia on...

Shelby Lofton

Kias in North Salt Lake now the target of vehicle break-ins, thefts

Another Utah neighborhood is being targeted for vehicle thefts.

10 minutes ago

FILE (Getty Images)...

Daniel Woodruff

Some DUI convicts in Utah may have ‘no alcohol sale’ stamped on ID under new bill

A proposal in the Legislature would require certain Utahns convicted of DUI to carry a special driver’s license stating they are not allowed to buy alcohol.

35 minutes ago

commercial driver's license...

Daniel Woodruff

Santaquin police sergeant’s death prompts proposal to tighten commercial driver’s license rules

HB375 would not allow someone to receive a commercial driver’s license in Utah if they have been convicted in the last three years of certain crimes.

41 minutes ago

Stansbury Park Elementary students...

Karah Brackin

Stansbury Park Elementary students raise $2,000 for Red Cross Salt Lake

At Stansbury Park Elementary, students are proving a small change makes a big change in the lives of those impacted by California wildfires.

1 hour ago

Tom Cram, the police chief for the Kanab Police Department in 2019....

Daniel Woodruff

Kanab police chief pleads guilty after hitting pedestrian

Kanab Police Chief Thomas Cram pleaded guilty after hitting a pedestrian.

2 hours ago

Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown...

Michael Houck

Mike Brown will step down as Salt Lake City police chief

The Salt Lake City police chief will retire after nearly three decades at the police department. 

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Large need for food and money donations to give families Thanksgiving meals