Donations were up at the Provo food bank Monday, but more food is needed to help stave off hunger in Utah County, an official said on Monday.

The food bank's goal had been set for 800,000 pounds, but with the current economic situation, more than one million pounds of food will be needed this year, Community Action Services director Myla Dutton said.

"We're asking those who can give, to give a little more than they thought they might," Dutton said.

However, those who think their donation is too small may not realize that every can counts, she said.

"It's the individual donation that makes a difference."

Boy Scout troops across Utah have undertaken plans for a statewide emergency food drive on Nov. 8, along with their annual drive in March.

In addition to the scouts' efforts, some 95 schools in Utah County are expected to carry out food drives between now and January. BYU's annual Food Fight against the University of Utah takes place in November during the last two weeks before the schools' football game. Churches have generally run food drives in December, Dutton said.

Recent stories in the Daily Herald -- where it was reported only 200 of a possible 900 food containers were full -- and on television helped boost contributions on Monday, Dutton said.

"We know people care," she said. "Our community is generous; we appreciate them."

 Contact the Provo food bank at 801-377-0066, or visit them at 815 S. Freedom Blvd #100 in Provo.

 • Sam Scorup can be reached at (801) 344-2561 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it