Food Network Feeds Utah Families in Need
Community groups and local farmers join to distribute locally produced food to Utahns struggling to afford groceries.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Organic Food
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A community food network has launched to distribute locally produced food to people in need in Wendover, Utah, and the effort is designed to expand statewide. Partners work with local farmers and meat producers rather than relying entirely on outside donations.
Why it matters
An estimated 445,000 Utahns are experiencing food insecurity, and state leaders expect federal changes to increase the number of families struggling to feed themselves. The network aims to keep food sourcing local while meeting that growing need.
Food is supplied by OakDell Egg Farms, Utah Refugee Goats, International Rescue Committee's New Roots farms and Utah Natural Meat, and 90 families in Wendover are currently being fed. Estimates place a family of six's monthly grocery cost at $300-400, though the extraction does not state how many families the network ultimately plans to serve.
The players
Holy Cross Ministries
A Catholic social services organization that uses caseworkers and resources to connect food to people who need it.
Luz Escamilla
The Utah Senate Minority Leader who attended the Wendover launch and warned of rising food insecurity from federal changes.
The details
Community groups including Holy Cross Ministries, Comunidad Materna, Mujeres Unidas de Utah, the Sanpete Food Pantry, Utahns Against Hunger, Bridge the Gap Emergency Food Pantry and Utah State University's Extension Service are partnering on the network. Food boxes were loaded into cars and trucks at Wendover High School's gym at the launch event on Thursday, and financial support is coming from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation, Mountain America Credit Union, the Brent and Kathryn Wood Foundation and Marathon Petroleum.
Timeline
Thursday: Launch event held in Wendover with Senator Escamilla attending.
Next year: Federal legislation is expected to increase food insecurity among families, according to Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla.
Culture Shift
The network reflects a shift toward local food sourcing as a response to food insecurity affecting roughly 445,000 Utahns. Its reliance on regional farmers and meat producers, rather than outside donations alone, marks a departure from purely charity-based distribution.
Families in Wendover and surrounding Utah communities can access locally produced food through participating groups. The effort is intended to expand statewide, so households struggling with grocery costs may find support as distribution grows.
The takeaway
Local partnerships between farmers, nonprofits and community organizations offer a practical way to get food to families who cannot afford groceries. Residents who want to help or seek support can look to the participating groups named in this story.
Further reading
For more on local sourcing, explore Organic Food coverage across Utah.
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