SALT LAKE CITY — It’s been a difficult year for so many folks, for a variety of reasons.
The pandemic has led to job losses and it’s trickling down to folks struggling to provide food for the families.
Earlier this year it also meant farmers and food producers could not sell their products because many restaurants had closed down.
So the federal government stepped in with the farmers to families subsidy program.
That means a lot of additional food is making its way to pantries and places like the Salt Lake City mission.
Starting today, they’re sponsoring the take one, give one program.
Meaning folks in need can drive up and at a safe social distance, get food for themselves along with a bag for their neighbors or family members who also might be in need.
"This summer we’ve gotten 20 extra semis, so we’ve given out over 750,000 extra pounds of food and we’ve had over 70% increase of people coming for help and a good portion of those are new people that have never come to a food pantry for help." said Pastor Joe Velazquez of the Salt Lake City Mission. "So folks are struggling right now.”
"I’m a single mom and struggling a little bit and so my stepdad told me about this and so I figured I’d check it out see what it’s all about and get some food.” said Britney Meyers.
Pastor Velazquez says they have 1300 food boxes ready for distribution today. Those boxes include meat, vegetables, fruit and dairy products.
Velazquez says they’ll do 7500 more food boxes before the end of the month.
