Feeding the Hungry: How Faith-Based Initiatives and Community Collaboration Tackled Food Insecurity Across the Southwest

In a remarkable display of compassion and community spirit, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their neighbors across Utah, Texas, and Arizona came together to address the growing issue of food insecurity. Leveraging the power of the JustServe platform, these dedicated individuals organized food drives that not only provided much-needed sustenance to those in need but also fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility within their communities.

Uniting to Fight Hunger: A Collaborative Approach to Community Service

Feeding Gilbert, Arizona: A Multifaith Effort

In the town of Gilbert, Arizona, JustServe specialists worked closely with city leaders, businesses, schools, and various faith communities to coordinate a food drive that benefited local food pantries. Rachel Hixon, a JustServe specialist in Gilbert, expressed her joy and honor in collaborating with the United Food Bank and the town of Gilbert to "bless the lives of so many in our area." The food drive, held in February, a traditionally challenging time for food banks, saw the Gilbert community come together to collect an impressive 32,478 pounds of food from 56 different locations, including churches, schools, and businesses.

Statewide Efforts in Utah: The Feed Utah Food Drive

The annual Feed Utah food drive, held on March 16, 2024, aimed to provide much-needed assistance to the estimated 317,000 Utahns facing hunger. Local food pantries reported a significant increase in demand, with needs rising by almost 65% in some areas. Church members and their neighbors responded with extraordinary generosity, with more than 600 stakes participating and thousands of youth, neighbors, leaders, young single adults, and families stepping up to help. Allison Drew, who served on the Church's Utah Area communication council, praised the "phenomenal support" as a testament to those living the two great commandments to love God and love their neighbor.

Springville, Utah: The Kiwanis Club's Successful Food Drive

The Springville Kiwanis Club in Utah also benefited from the JustServe platform in their major fundraiser and food drive. Volunteers were able to sign up for time slots over several days to assist with making and selling scones during the summer fundraiser. During the holiday season, approximately 600 volunteers worked to prepare food donation bags, distribute them in the community, and then accept and sort the collected donations. Past Kiwanis Club president John Jacobson acknowledged the crucial role of JustServe, stating, "It is because of JustServe that we're able to sign up the needed volunteers to make this annual project so successful."

North Texas: The Peanut Butter Drive

The North Texas Food Bank's 10th Annual Peanut Butter Drive, organized in late 2023, saw the participation of cities, neighborhoods, corporations, faith-based groups, and other organizations. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was recognized as the top faith-based contributor, with several of its members serving on the food drive committee. The Allen, Plano, and Heath Texas Stakes took part in the drive, both by collecting peanut butter and posting the project on JustServe. The campaign raised an impressive 343,065 pounds of peanut butter, a healthy and shelf-stable item for those in need.

The Power of Uniting: Reflections from Community Leaders

The presidents and CEOs of the North Texas Food Bank and the Utah Food Bank both emphasized the power of people uniting to make a difference. Trisha Cunningham, the president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank, expressed gratitude for the "community's enthusiasm and support" and acknowledged the crucial role of the Church and JustServe in their partnership and support. Ginette Bott, the president and CEO of the Utah Food Bank, echoed these sentiments, stating, "There is power to make a difference when so many groups and individuals collaborate to help fight hunger statewide."

The Rewards of Service: Volunteers' Perspectives

John Jacobson, the past president of the Springville Kiwanis Club, shared his personal experience of being touched by the generosity of Springville residents when he first moved to the city in 2018. He emphasized the transformative power of service, noting that even those who may not initially feel inclined to volunteer often realize the immense personal rewards and the sense of the Spirit that accompanies their efforts. Jacobson's words encapsulate the essence of these community-driven initiatives, where the act of serving one's neighbors not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a deeper connection and a shared sense of purpose.