FILE: Gov.-elect Spencer Cox sorts food at the Utah Food Bank distribution center in St. George as part of the One Utah Food Drive on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. Photo credit: Utah.gov
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov.-elect Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov.-elect Deidre Henderson have several events planned to herald their inauguration, and the first event was on Saturday in St. George, Utah.
That’s where Cox, Henderson, and members of their families participated in a service project for the Utah Food Bank.
At the food bank’s southern Utah distribution center each family sorted through donations like cans of chili and soup. To assure COVID-19 safety guidelines were met, the Gov.- and Lt. Gov-elect worked only with their own families and at staggered times.
“Service is a core value for us and we know there are so many Utahns struggling with food insecurity right now,” Cox said. “We encourage all Utahns to continue to donate what they can to the Utah Food Bank to help those who need our support.”
During 2020, many families turned to the Utah Food Bank for the very first time according to Ginette Bott, president and CEO of the Utah Food Bank.
“Because of the COVID-19 economic downturn, we are seeing a sharp increase in need,” Bott said. “The Utah Food Bank can stretch every dollar into $8.03 worth of food and services, so every donation truly has an impact on Utahns who face hunger.”
Many of the Utahns facing hunger are the youngest Utahns. On top of hunger, Lt. Gov.-elect Henderson said that children struggling with homelessness or poverty are particularly at risk because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Now, one in five Utah children are facing hunger, “Henderson said. “Because so many schools closed due to COVID, some kids are not getting the breakfasts and lunches that our schools usually serve.
“Schools are doing the best they can to distribute grab-and-go meals provided by the Utah Food Bank, but they need our continued support.”
During a month-long food drive called the One Utah Food Drive, which ended today, nearly $210,000 was raised for the hungry in Utah, as well as more than 35,136 pounds of food donations from across the state.
Please visit the Utah Food Bank for more information.