One in 10 Utah households experience food insecurity and more than 102,000 Utah families do not have the resources to buy enough food. Investing in solutions to address food security pays off in increased health and wellbeing. Food insecurity disproportionately impacts children, female single parent households, seniors, people with disabilities, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities (BIPOC). Please don't hesitate to reach out to our office if you would like more help or guidance finding assistance. We are all passionate about our patients having adequate access to food and do whatever we can to support you.
What Is Food Insecurity?
“Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. Food insecurity is generally a symptom of broader financial insecurity. Food is often one of the only variable expenses for households on a tight budget (as opposed to car payments, rent, etc.), which means it is frequently the first expense to be cut.”
Resources to Find Food Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1590
· “…Enables low-income families to buy nutritious food with Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. SNAP recipients spend their benefits to buy eligible food in authorized retail food stores. The Program is the cornerstone of the food assistance programs and provides crucial support to needy households and to those making the transition from welfare to work.”
· Eligibility
o Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,250
OR
o Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,500 who share their household with one of the following:
· A person or persons age 60 and over
· A person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself)
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): https://wic.utah.gov/
· Federal Nutrition Program designed for women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding/have children under 5 years old
o “…Provides low-income women, infants, and children under 5 with nutrition education, vouchers for nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, a review of immunization records, and referrals to other helpful agencies.”
· Eligible participants
o Pregnant, breastfeeding, or just had a baby
o Have an infant and child under 5 years of age
o Need WIC foods to be healthy
o Meet income guidelines or are receiving Medicaid or SNAP benefits
Utah Food Pantries: https://www.foodpantries.org/st/utah
· Many locations around Utah that offer free food donated by the community, eligibility may vary depending on the pantry
· There are many programs that the food bank offers: https://www.utahfoodbank.org/programs/
o Kids Café
o Mobile School Pantries
o Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
o UFB Food Box Program
o Mobile Pantries
o Grocery Rescue
Bishop’s Storehouse: https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/bishops-storehouse?lang=eng
· “The storehouse is filled with commodities provided by fast offerings and other generous donations from members. Food and supplies from the bishops’ storehouse can also be sent to those affected by natural disasters, wars, or economic crises at a moment’s notice.”
· Contact your local LDS Bishop’s office for assistance
LDS Canneries/Home Storage Center: https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/self-reliance/home-storage-centers?lang=eng
· “Home storage centers help Church members and others build a basic supply of food for their longer-term home storage needs. Several prepackaged items are also available through the online store.”
Senior Congregate Meals: https://www.uah.org/get-help/food-assistance-for-seniors
· “Serves adults 60+ (and in some cases, caregivers, spouses, and/or younger people with disabilities). Provide meals in senior centers, schools, churches, farmers markets, and other community settings. Offer healthy meals, social engagement, access to community resources, volunteer roles.”
· Many locations throughout Utah
Meals on Wheels: https://www.daviscountyutah.gov/health/aging-adult-services/meals/home-delivered-meals
· “…helps older people remain independent in their homes by providing a nutritious daily meal to qualified individuals unable to shop, cook, or feed themselves. Special diets for health reasons also can be provided. Meals may be delivered 5 days a week. Meals may be provided to assist with respite services for caregivers. Meals also may be provided for short periods of recuperation.”
Utah State University Extension Office, Education Programs
· Food $ense: https://extension.usu.edu/createbetterhealth/
o Audience focus is low-income, SNAP eligible individuals and families, however, ANYONE can participate in free classes offered and/or learn more about:
§ Menu planning
§ Eating healthy on a budget
§ Basic cooking skills
§ Tasty recipes
§ Increasing physical activity
§ Where to find classes in your area
· EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program): https://extension.usu.edu/efnep/index
o Mission/goal:
§ “EFNEP assists limited-resource audiences in gaining the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and changed behavior necessary to have nutritionally sound diets. It also helps contribute to personal development and the improvement of the total family diet and nutritional well-being.”
o Free lessons/classes
§ Basic concepts of food and nutrition
§ Buying skills
§ Meal planning
§ Food safety
§ Food resource management
Feeding America: https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/utah
· A resource to learn more about food insecurity in the United States and Utah
