One important way people helped others was making sure they had enough food to eat. Now, we can work to ensure this help continues.

People are very generous during the holidays and in the weeks leading up to the holidays; however, donations often decrease after December. Unfortunately, the needs of those who are hungry are still there. It’s important to remember that food insecurity and financial struggles occur throughout the year.

According to Utah Food Bank, 317,000 Utahns are at risk of missing a meal today. That is 1 in 11 Utahns. One in 10 Utah children is unsure of where their next meal is coming from. Those of us who work with children know this all too well. There are many children whose only full, nutritious meals are eaten at school.

Here are a few tips gathered from local food pantries and banks that we can keep in mind as we donate to help the needy in our communities:

• Consider donating some fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re not as readily available during the winter months, but as we are shopping for our own families, we can pick up some extra fresh produce items to donate. These are hard to come by for people in need when finances are scarce.
• Cash donations can help food pantries and banks feed the hundreds of people they assist every month. Pantry employees know what is needed more than we do, and, with the cash donations, they can purchase what they need as well as pay for the costs of keeping the pantries and banks running.
• Donate ingredients rather than ready-to-eat items. While boxed and canned foods are great for meals, people also need items to cook and bake. Families in need often cannot afford to keep a pantry stocked with items that many of us seem to always have on hand such as salad dressing, salt, pepper, sugar, flour, olive oil, cooking spray, baking soda, vanilla and other flavorings and spices. Other much-needed items at local food pantries during this time of year include condiments, baking goods, crackers, cookies, almonds, dried fruit and other healthy foods.
• Keep in mind that food recipients range in age from infant to elderly when deciding which foods to donate. A variety of foods can help people eat nutritiously and enjoy what they are eating.

This new year, let’s resolve to keep the spirit of giving alive throughout the year so no one has to go without eating.