According to Utah State Extension, one in 10 households in the state experiences food insecurity, while more than 102,000 Utah families do not have the resources to buy enough food. In an effort to address these needs, the Utah Pork Producers Association led the donation of 35,000 pounds of bacon and other pork products to the Utah Food Bank during an event Thursday.
The donation was a community effort that involved pork association members, the Daily’s Premium Meats bacon brand, Brigham Young University Athletics, and Utah State University Athletics. Football players from BYU and USU assisted with the delivery.
“Food insecurity is a critical issue that affects many families in our community,” said Jim Webb, UPPA president. “Through this donation, we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. We are grateful for Daily’s Premium Meats’ support and the participation of local university athletes in this important cause.”
The Utah Food Bank has been around since 1904, though under a variety of different names. The nonprofit said it distributed 60.2 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 50.1 million meals, to people facing hunger across Utah in 2023. The network includes 245 emergency food pantries and agencies statewide.
“This donation brings more than just food to the table; it brings hope and nourishment to countless families across Utah,” said Ginette Bott, president & CEO of the Utah Food Bank. “We are deeply grateful for the partnership and the incredible support from UPPA, Daily’s Meats, and BYU and USU Athletics. Together, we are making a profound difference in the fight against hunger in our community.”