Local food pantries struggle with low food supply

SALT LAKE CITY — Several food pantries said supplies are lower than they’ve been in the last two decades.

Cache Community Food Pantry Director Matt Whitaker has worked there for 22 years and has never seen such high demand and low inventory.

“Times are tough for everybody,” he said. “We’ve never seen the situation as dire as it has been before.”

He thinks the current economy has a lot to do with it.

“I’ve had quite a few of those that come in and say, ‘You know, I used to be a donor, and now I need help,'” Whitaker said.

So far, the pantry hasn’t had to turn anybody away. However, it usually doesn’t get an influx of donations until later this month, so it has had to do a lot with just a little.

“(The pantry will) always have something to give, but the quantity we’re able to help them with is diminishing quite a bit,” Whitaker said. “We’re telling (everybody) we have to tighten our belts a little bit.”

Whitaker said other agencies the pantry works with, like senior centers and other non-profits, are also struggling. Additionally, he suspects most other food pantries across the state are dealing with the same shortage

Most food drives happen right before Thanksgiving, leaving a few weeks when agencies have to scramble.

Whitaker hopes people will be willing to donate a little earlier this year and help out. Click here to learn more about how you can donate.

Britt Johnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.

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