Volunteers are preparing to assemble 6,000 pantry packs to combat food insecurity among students in the Davis School District during a service event scheduled for Aug. 8 in Bountiful. The initiative aims to support the nearly 4,000 packs distributed weekly to help local children through the weekends.
Addressing Local Hunger Trends
The upcoming Pantry Packs In The Park event will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bountiful City Park, located at 400 North 200 West. Organized by the Young Caring For Our Young Foundation, the project is designed for all ages and seeks to address significant nutritional needs within the community.
High Rates of Food Insecurity
Data regarding food insecurity in the region highlights the necessity of these efforts. According to the Young Caring For Our Young Foundation, one in four children in Davis County is at risk of going hungry. Furthermore, 27% of students within the Davis School District currently qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch.
Upcoming Regional Service Projects
In addition to the Bountiful event, a separate assembly project is scheduled for Sept. 11 at the Farmington Community Arts Center. This initiative, endorsed by the Davis Education Foundation, involves receiving, sorting, and delivering pantry packs for the Davis School District as well as snacks for the Children's Justice Center.
Donation Logistics and Sites
The Davis Education Foundation is coordinating donation sites to support these efforts. Between Aug. 19 and Sept. 9, donors can drop off items every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Flourishing Grace Church in Bountiful. Another donation window is scheduled for Aug. 28 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at either Dick's Market in Centerville or Harmons Grocery in Farmington.
Essential Supplies Needed
Requested items for the assembly projects include shelf-stable goods such as individual microwavable meals, fruit snacks, granola bars, and juice boxes. Organizers are also seeking peanut butter crackers, applesauce cups, pudding cups, instant oatmeal, and various snack items like pretzels, cookies, or popcorn.
Community Impact
The community-led efforts aim to ensure local students head into the weekend with adequate nutrition. By mobilizing volunteers and local donors, organizers hope to bridge the gap for the thousands of children relying on these weekend food supplies.
