Poverty is a crisis that deeply affects individuals, families, and communities across the United States. In Utah alone, nearly 9% of the population lives in poverty. However, solving it is complex: Poverty is a multidimensional issue that must be addressed with many tools, including education, emergency assistance, and long-term support.

Community Action Services and Food Bank has worked for decades to attack poverty in Utah County and the surrounding area. It is the best resource for people in need, whether for emergency assistance or building lifelong stability. Here are some of the ways we can help our neighbors in tough times.

Serving the Hungry

Thousands of Utahns face hunger every day, including more than 100,000 children. As the second-largest food bank in Utah (collecting and delivering more than 3.5 million pounds of food in 2021 alone), Community Action Services connects people in need with healthy food in a variety of ways. The food bank partners with local stores in a grocery rescue program and helps organize and support food drives to collect food. This food goes to community members to help feed their families. Donated food reaches the community through the food bank and food pantries throughout the valley. Community Action Services and Food Bank also works to get food to hungry kids through Nutrition Paks and food pantries located in some schools.

Emergency Assistance

It’s hard to predict all the ups and downs that life can hand you. When troubles arise, Community Action Services and Food Bank can help with emergency assistance to help families. Immediate needs can be taken care of with bus tokens, financial assistance for housing, help with utilities, and vouchers for hotels, food, and furniture. Emergency assistance can help families get back on their feet by addressing short-term issues.

Life Skills

Once short-term problems are handled, individuals and families can work toward long-term financial stability. Community Action Services and Food Bank is an excellent resource every step of the way. People can participate in classes, get help starting a business, and build connections and networks with people that support them. Community Action Services offers programs that teach people how to budget and save, manage debt, and even buy a home for the first time.

Celebrate with Us

We are passionate about helping the people in our community and lifting individuals and families out of poverty. We have been committed to this goal for 55 years, and we’ll be celebrating our 55th birthday in a big way.

On Wednesday, May 25, beginning at noon, Community Action Services and Food Bank will be hosting a food pantry cook-off featuring local Utah Valley dignitaries including former Orem Mayor David Taylor, Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Curtis Blair, Provo Fire Chief James Miguel and Provo’s Deputy CAO Dixon Holmes competing in a food challenge. The contestants will prepare entrees using food commonly found at the CASFB pantry. Judging those entrees will be Chef Joseph from the UVU Culinary Arts program, Mary Crafts, founder of Culinary Crafts and restaurant reviewer, United Way of Utah County’s President and CEO Bill Hulterstrom.

In addition to the live food competition, guests and clients will be invited to enjoy food catered by Jurassic Street Tacos, Kona Ice and Crumbl cookies. For more information, email wmatheney@communityactionuc.org.

We’re thrilled to have served the community for 55 years and look forward to another 55 years and beyond.

Fighting poverty requires a combined effort from the community and organizations alike. Community Action Services and Food Bank has worked hard to improve the lives of people in poverty for 55 years, and our partners in the community have made it possible. Together, we can help our neighbors out of poverty and build stability.

Karen McCandless is the CEO of Community Action Services and Food Bank in Provo. CASFB is located at 815 S. Freedom Blvd., Ste. 100. For more information on educational programs, how to make donations, upcoming classes, food drives and more, visit communityactionuc.org or call (801) 373-8200.

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