Salt Lake City, UTAH – With inflation on the rise and food prices steadily climbing, food insecurity in Salt Lake City is becoming an increasingly urgent issue. The need for assistance is greater than ever, with many individuals and families teetering on the edge of crisis. In response, Sinclair Broadcasting has partnered with the Salvation Army for a special initiative, “Sinclair Cares: From Homeless to Hope,” aiming to shine a light on the challenges faced by the community and the critical services being provided to those in need.
The Salvation Army’s food pantry in Salt Lake City plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. The pantry is designed to assist individuals and families experiencing hardship, offering support to those at risk of falling into crisis. Lieutenant Kate Combs, the corps officer for The Salvation Army in Salt Lake City, explained that the pantry serves approximately 630 households per month, with about 500 of those being one-time users seeking immediate help.
The demand for food assistance has surged dramatically in recent years. Since 2021, pantry visits have increased by 60%, and each week, hundreds of people line up outside the doors to receive groceries. Combs noted that the pantry serves around 70 families per opening, often exhausting their available food supply by the end of the day. “It’s stretching us,” Combs said. “We’re doing our best to meet the demand, but it’s challenging.”
Each month, the pantry distributes 37,000 pounds of food, primarily sourced from the Utah Food Bank, as well as donations from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and community food drives. To ensure fairness and meet the specific needs of each family, the pantry operates on a “choice-model” system. Instead of giving out pre-packaged food boxes, clients are allowed to select the items they need, simulating a grocery store experience. This model helps reduce waste and allows families to pick items based on preferences and dietary restrictions.
The pantry operates three days a week—Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—serving a steadily increasing number of people. On a Wednesday afternoon, the line outside the pantry grew rapidly as people waited for the doors to open. One volunteer, Lili Ramirez, who also relies on the pantry for food, expressed the overwhelming need in the community. “They don’t have enough services,” Ramirez said. “People are struggling. I’m on a limited income, and I need extra help. The meat, fresh vegetables, and fruits they provide help a lot.”
The Salvation Army views the food pantry as a supplement, not a long-term solution. Lieutenant Combs explained that the pantry’s goal is to alleviate some financial stress for families, allowing them to use their limited funds for other needs. “We know that some families are one rent payment away from receiving an eviction notice,” Combs said. “If they can come to us for food, it helps free up their resources for other essentials.”
Beyond food assistance, the Salvation Army in Salt Lake City also offers financial aid and spiritual support, helping individuals and families navigate difficult circumstances. As the cost of living continues to rise, the Salvation Army’s role in the community becomes increasingly vital.
The ongoing collaboration between Sinclair Broadcasting and the Salvation Army seeks to bring attention to the growing issue of food insecurity and the organizations working to provide relief. As the number of people in need continues to climb, these services offer a vital lifeline to many, ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind in times of crisis.