In fact, according to UtahFoodBank.org, 445,000 Utahns, and one in five Utah children are facing hunger and food insecurity right now. These people need our help and there are ways we can give it. “As food insecurity rises during the summer months, so does the need for community support,” it reads on the site.

Utah Food Bank’s Summer Business Food and Fund Drive runs through the end of August, and businesses and organizations are encouraged to host food drives. The website also gives information about free summer meals for kids in Utah.

Tabitha’s Way Food Pantry in Spanish Fork has a garden during the summer months. “We’re looking for volunteers to help care for six garden boxes that will grow fresh vegetables for Tabitha’s Way families in need. Tasks include planting, watering, weeding, caring, harvesting, and more,” it reads on the pantry’s Facebook page.

Tabitha’s Way pantries in Spanish Fork, Pleasant Grove and Saratoga Springs are always in need of volunteers as well as donations. Many individuals, groups and businesses find ways to make donating food not only rewarding, but also fun. Here are a few ideas.

Neighborhood Food Drive

Summer is a great time for a neighborhood get-together. As people gather for a block party, barbecue or games, ask them to bring some food donations. One neighborhood in Pleasant Grove comes together every December for hot chocolate, cookies and food donations. They gather hundreds of pounds of food and take it to Tabitha’s Way Food Pantry. This fun idea can also happen during the summer, when the weather is beautiful and the need for food is high.

Fresh Produce Scavenger Hunt

Food pantries and banks get a lot of canned and boxed food, but fresh fruit and vegetables are not donated as often. As gardens become ready to harvest, groups could hold a Fresh Produce Scavenger Hunt, scouring their neighborhoods for tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and more. Just put together a list of items and send members of the group out to knock on doors, asking for donations.

Community Gardens

Is there a spot of land in your neighborhood or yard that is not in use? Some neighborhoods work together to plant a garden, donating all of the food to the hungry. This can be a fun way to get outdoors, teach children the value of hard work and help our neighbors at the same time.

Grow a Row, Give a Row

Sometimes, gardeners “grow a row, give a row,” keeping some of the bounty for themselves, while giving half of it away. Others invite people to come and pick what is left and unwanted. Taking that extra to be donated to those in need is easy and will bless the lives of the recipients.

Walk, Run for Food

Utah County is full of people who love to be outdoors, hiking, walking, cycling and running. Why not plan a “Walk for Food” or “Bike for Food” event? For each mile or block or half-hour walked, friends and neighbors donate a can of food or a couple of pieces of fresh produce.

However we choose to do it, collecting donations to help others feel less hungry will be rewarding and can be a lot of fun.