Seeing the rising needs in our state, Community Action Services and Food Bank is helping to support local food producers while also feeding hungry families. Thanks to a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, Community Action Services’ efforts can have a wide-ranging impact, alleviating burdens for farmers and consumers alike. Here is how this grant will work to support local families and food growers.

Strengthening Local Food Production

Agriculture can be a tough business, especially for socially disadvantaged food producers. When bad weather, pests and high costs come along, farmers often struggle to make ends meet. Smaller farms often don’t have the resources to weather these storms. 

As the recipient of one of only four grants awarded statewide to benefit local farmers, Community Action Services is launching Local Roots, a project that will provide expanded economic opportunities for local socially disadvantaged food growers. Along with 10 community partners in Box Elder, Salt Lake, Sevier, Summit, Utah and Wasatch Counties, Community Action Services will supply $600,000 in fresh fruits, vegetables and protein through the end of 2024 to families struggling with food insecurity. The majority of food purchased will be grown by about 50 rural or refugee producers in Utah and distributed to those experiencing food insecurity, including refugee, rural and low-income households. 

This project will not only support local farmers but also strengthen the local supply chain and give families much-needed fresh food. It will also give food pantries the ability to provide a wider variety of flavors and ingredients that will appeal to people of different cultural backgrounds.

Providing Fresh Food for Utah Families

More and more families have difficulty providing enough healthy food for their household. One in 10 Utah households struggles with food insecurity, and the need for food and supportive services in our local communities has risen 155 percent in the last year alone. 

Food pantries are critical in the effort to help these families get enough food, and providing fresh, healthy options is especially important. People who are food insecure are more likely to eat fewer fruits and vegetables, which has been associated with serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

Recognizing that high prices are a frequent barrier to purchasing fresh produce, Community Action Services will use this grant to bridge the gap for those who cannot afford healthy food. As part of its effort to support our communities’ health, Community Action Services will also work with its partners to “prescribe” fresh, healthy food to people visiting a health clinic. These “prescriptions” can be filled at roughly 70 local food pantries.

Increasing the Reach of Community Action Services

There can often be geographical and socioeconomic divides when it comes to providing resources to those in need. In Utah, this divide can be seen at the Point of the Mountain, between rural and urban communities and in other areas. 

Through the USDA grant, Community Action Services will have a greater ability to bridge this gap and work with local partners and provide services to even more families in need. The Local Roots project will connect rural farmers with refugee farmers in Salt Lake County and bring them together with food pantries in Utah, Salt Lake, Wasatch and Summit Counties. It will also utilize the expertise of health clinics in Utah and Summit Counties to promote healthy eating.

Community Action Services and Food Bank works to lift individuals and families out of poverty. Whenever possible, grants are used to provide increased resources. Other grants we have received allow us to distribute diapers, expand broadband access and further address food insecurity. Grants like these greatly improve our reach and capacity, and these awards mean that every dollar donated by members of our community is stretched even further. We look forward to using every grant and resource available to help local families. For individuals looking to make a difference for their neighbors, there is no better way than to donate or volunteer their time and expertise at Community Action Services and Food Bank.