Food bank says thanks, keep giving

As the stockpile of Christmas goodies nears its inexorable demise and the holiday leftovers dwindle down to a precious frozen few, Utah Food Bank Services would like to thank Utahns for their generosity to the homeless and hungry the past few months.

They also would like to remind people that the annual holiday food drive doesn't officially end until Jan. 15.

After gathering more than 1.4 million pounds of food toward its 1.5 million pounds goal, the food bank is predicting its most successful drive of the past three years.

But winter is just beginning, and the need goes well past the end of the season, said Jim Pugh, food bank services executive director. "The community has been very generous this holiday season, and we certainly appreciate every donation — big or small, every gift makes a difference."

Most-needed items include peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, tuna and canned chili and stews.

Between now and Jan. 15, nonperishable food can be dropped off at Smith's Food & Drug, Jiffy Lube sites, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Riverton Motors and Wells Fargo banks.

Any donations, including perishable items, may be dropped off at Utah Food Bank Services, 1025 S. 700 West, in Salt Lake City.

Utah Food Bank Services supplies a statewide network of more than 240 nonprofit agencies and emergency food pantries, as well as regional food banks.

During the past year, Utah Food Bank Services distributed 18 million pounds of food — about 9 million meals — and responded to more than 1.6 million requests for emergency food.

The food bank also operates 16 Kids Cafe sites and the 211 Information & Referral service, as well as programs for the low-income elderly and people with disabilities.

For more information about Utah Food Bank Services, call 801- 978-2452 or visit www.utahfoodbank.org.

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E-mail: jthalman@desnews.com