Local Catholic charities take action to feed the hungry in Utah during Hunger Action Month

Friday, Sep. 12, 2025

SALT LAKE CITY — September is Hunger Action Month across the United States. The nationwide campaign, led by Feeding America, aims to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire action to end hunger. In conjunction with this, two local Catholic charities have launched campaigns to help those dealing regularly with hunger here in Utah.

Catholic Community Services

Through its Ogden-based Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, Catholic Community Services provides food and other necessities to more than 2,300 households each month, and that number is increasing, said Randy Chappell, CCS Basic Needs director. 

Clients at the food bank must be below 185 percent of the poverty level, and with recent federal legislative changes that are expected to impact Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for many local residents, Chappell anticipates the need is only going to grow. 

“We just worry what the future entails when it comes to food insecurity and how many people are going to be affected by the changes,” he said.

This month, for the second year, CCS is participating in the Hunger Action Month Food Drive. The goal is to bring in 50,000 pounds of food to the Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank. The greatest need is for high-protein items such as canned meats, peanut butter and canned vegetables, corn in particular, Chappell said.

He encourages local community members to donate and local businesses, churches and community organizations to sponsor their own food drives. Donations can be made at 2504 F Ave., Ogden, on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Sept. 30. In the Salt Lake area, donations may be dropped off at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall/Bishop Weigand Resource Center, 437 West 200 South, Salt Lake City.

For information, contact Chappell at rchappell@ccsutah.org. 

Center of Hope Food Pantry

The Center of Hope food pantry in North Salt Lake provides food and other necessities each month to more than 2,500 local individuals struggling to get by. The Center of Hope was established in 2003 by the Ladies of Charity of Northern Utah, who were guided by the Daughters of Charity.

“Our pantry was established out of need,” said Mary Ellen Dworshak, Ladies of Charity development director. “Ever since COVID, we’ve seen some major factors that have contributed to that need [which is] always on the increase. That’s inflation, the number of people that have moved into our community, it’s growing so much, and the cost of living in North Salt Lake has gone way up.”

Over the years the numbers of clients have increased. This year demand from Hispanic clients has dropped, but that can mostly be explained by the uncertain political climate, Dworshak said. In the meantime, the number of Caucasian clients has steadily grown, she said.

The Ladies of Charity are grateful for the support they receive, Dworshak said. “We get so much support from foundations and the community at large. It’s pretty remarkable, the support we get, and we couldn’t do it without that kind of support.”

Donations to the pantry, located at 74 S. Orchard Dr., North Salt Lake, are accepted during operating hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday, 4 to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m. Outside of those hours, donations may be arranged by calling the pantry to schedule a drop off.

To donate by credit or debit card for the pantry’s ongoing needs or to the capital campaign, visit https://www.ladiesofcharitynorthernutah.org/. 

On Sept. 27, the Ladies of Charity are sponsoring the center’s inaugural fundraising lunch, the Harvest of Hope Luncheon, at St. Olaf Parish’s McNamara Center in Bountiful. Proceeds will help benefit the day-to-day operations of the food pantry and help provide capital toward moving to a new location. The current 3,000-square-foot premises has become too small to adequately meet the needs of the pantry’s many clients, Dworshak said.

For tickets to the Harvest of Hope Luncheon or for information, visit www.centerofhopeutah.org.