Community Action Services & Food Bank is facing a significant financial challenge, prompting the organization to reduce staff and announce that its Heber Food Pantry will close in mid-November. The nonprofit, which has served the community since 1967, has launched a fundraising initiative to raise $1.5 million by the end of 2026 to address outstanding obligations and build an emergency reserve.
Service and Staffing Changes
The organization announced that its Provo, Oakley, and Coalville food pantries will remain open during this transition. While all other direct client services remain open, the closure of the Heber location is expected to impact families relying on that specific site. The organization suggested that clients seeking food assistance in that area can find alternative resources through the Christian Center of Park City.
As part of a broader organizational restructuring, Community Action Services & Food Bank has had to reduce its staff and part ways with several employees. The organization described the decision to release valued colleagues as extraordinarily difficult and noted a commitment to supporting staff through the transition.
Fundraising and Leadership
To stabilize its financial position, the organization is working toward a goal of raising $1.5 million by the end of December 2026. According to a statement from the Board of Trustees, 100% of these contributions will be used to pay off outstanding financial obligations and establish an essential emergency reserve to protect against future challenges.
As of October 27, 2026, the organization has already raised $250,000 toward the goal. Leadership changes have also been implemented to manage the crisis, with Caitlin Rangel appointed as Interim CEO to lead day-to-day operations. Additionally, community leaders Val Hale and Sheldon Miner have joined the Board of Trustees, with Miner serving as Board Treasurer to lead a comprehensive review of the operating budget, programs, and services.
Broader Food Insecurity Trends
The financial instability comes amid a broader landscape of food insecurity in Utah. According to data from Feeding America, the state had an estimated 484,090 food-insecure people in 2023, representing a 14.2% food insecurity rate. The organization faces an estimated annual food budget shortfall of $315,197,000 across the state.
In Utah County, the situation remains critical. Data from Utahns Against Hunger shows that 87,320 individuals in the county were food insecure in 2023, a rate of 12.8%. Of those, 33,210 were children. The county's poverty rate was recorded at 8.7% in 2023, with 58,181 individuals living below the federal poverty level.
Financial Overview
Financial records highlight the scale of the organization's operations and recent fiscal shifts. Tax filings for the fiscal year ending June 2025 showed that Community Action Services & Food Bank reported $13,777,251 in revenue and $14,999,204 in expenses, resulting in a net income of -$1,221,953.
The organization's total assets were reported at $3,646,631, while total liabilities stood at $2,201,900. The vast majority of the organization's revenue is derived from contributions, which accounted for $13,745,372, or 99.8% of the total revenue for the 2025 fiscal year.
Community Support Efforts
Community Action Services & Food Bank remains focused on its mission to provide food, housing assistance, shelter, and education to support long-term stability. The organization is calling on the community to support its survival through direct gifts, volunteering at pantries or the warming center opening November 1, or by hosting food drives.
