Fighting hunger for 15 years at Tabitha’s Way
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- Tabitha’s Way first opened in Spanish Fork in June 2010. Now, 15 years later, the pantry helps to provide food to thousands of residents in need every month.
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- Tabitha’s Way first opened in Spanish Fork in June 2010. Now, 15 years later, the pantry helps to provide food to thousands of residents in need every month.
It has been 15 years since Spanish Fork resident Wendy Osborne realized that she wanted to do something to help those in need in her community. From this desire, Tabitha’s Way Food Pantry was born.
“The inspiration to start Tabitha’s Way came directly from a moment of deep spiritual reflection,” Osborne said. “While reading Acts 9:36-42 in The Bible, I encountered the story of Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. She was described as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ who was ‘always doing good and helping the poor,’ providing food and clothing to those in need in her community.”
The scripture story deeply moved Osborne. She said that as she meditated on this passage, she felt a clear and profound prompting from God. “He was calling me to step away from my career in telecommunications and dedicate my life to serving others in a similar way,” she said. “It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but the message was unmistakable. God wanted me to open a food pantry and serve those who were hungry and struggling in my own community.”
This month, Tabitha’s Way is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The pantry has grown from a humble space in Spanish Fork to a vital resource serving thousands across the community. There are now Tabitha’s Way pantries Pleasant Grove and Saratoga Springs, in addition to the original in Spanish Fork.
According to its website, tabithasway.org, more than 150,000 individuals received food assistance last year through the three Tabitha’s Way locations in Utah County. Almost 7 million meals were distributed during that time. About 23,000 volunteer hours were served.
To commemorate the 15th anniversary, Tabitha’s Way is hosting a block party on June 26 from 6-8 p.m., 50 E.100 North, in Spanish Fork. The celebration will feature family-friendly activities, live music, and food.
At the event, kids will receive a special Hunger Hero Passport and complete fun, educational activities at different stations. Once all tasks are checked off, they’ll become an official Hunger Hero and receive a prize to celebrate their achievement. The free celebration is open to the public.
“We’re aiming to collect 1,500 No Hunger Pledges during the event — a simple, yet powerful way to activate our community and commit to helping end hunger in our community,” Osborne said.
There are three actions to choose from as part of the pledge. These are: Become aware, advocate and take action.
According to Osborne, people can become aware by taking a pantry tour or following the pantry on social media. To advocate, people can participate in food drives and tell friends and family about the cause. Taking action can include donating to support the work, volunteering at a pantry or organizing a food drive.
“Starting Tabitha’s Way was born out of a desire to follow God’s will and to mirror the compassion and generosity of Tabitha,” Osborne said. “Through this journey, I’ve been blessed to see lives touched and hearts uplifted, and I know that this mission is part of a larger purpose – one rooted in love, service, and hope.”
