Local Food Network Feeds Struggling Utah Families

Utahns facing grocery costs can access food from regional farmers and producers through a new community distribution network.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Organic Food

Flat opaque gouache-painted editorial illustration of an open cardboard produce box with tomatoes, greens, carrots and brown eggs on a weathered wooden surface. — Community food network in Wendover began distributing local farm produce and meat to 90 families on Thursday, with Senator Luz Escamilla attending the launch. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A community food network launched in Wendover to distribute locally produced food to Utahns struggling to afford groceries, feeding 90 families in the Wendover area. The launch event took place on Thursday with Senator Escamilla attending, and the network aims to expand across the state.

Why it matters

An estimated 445,000 Utahns are experiencing food insecurity, and the network is designed to reach them by pairing community groups with local farmers and meat producers rather than relying entirely on outside donations. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla expects federal legislation next year to increase the number of families struggling with food insecurity, which makes local distribution models a closer-to-home response.

The figures come from an estimate of Utahns experiencing food insecurity and from the network's own count of 90 families served in Wendover. The source does not describe the methodology behind the statewide estimate or report outcomes beyond initial distribution.

The players

Holy Cross Ministries

A Utah-based ministry that uses caseworkers and resources to connect food to people who need it.

Luz Escamilla

Senate Minority Leader in Utah who attended the launch and anticipates rising food insecurity from federal legislation.

Utah State University Extension Service

A university outreach program participating in the community food distribution network.

Mountain America Credit Union

A financial institution offering financial support to the food distribution network.

Marathon Petroleum

An energy company offering financial support to the food distribution network.

The details

Community groups partner with local farmers and meat producers, who supply food that is then distributed to families in need. Food boxes were loaded into cars and trucks at Wendover High School's gym. Holy Cross Ministries connects food to people who need it through its caseworkers and resources, and other participating groups include 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. Producers include OakDell Egg Farms, Utah Refugee Goats, International Rescue Committee's New Roots farms and Utah Natural Meat.

Thursday: Launch event held in Wendover with Senator Escamilla attending.
Next year: Federal legislation expected to increase food insecurity among families, according to Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla.

Health Landscape

Community-based food distribution that connects local producers to families is one response to the statewide food insecurity estimate of 445,000 Utahns. The model shifts some reliance away from outside donations toward regional farmers and meat producers.

If you are in Utah and finding it hard to afford groceries, community food programs like this one may offer support, and it is worth asking local ministries and food pantries what is available. Adults managing diet-related health needs on a tight budget can raise food access with their physician or a registered dietitian.

The takeaway

Food insecurity affects a large share of Utahns, and locally sourced distribution is one way communities are responding. If your household is struggling to afford food, contact a local food pantry or ministry, and if you have a health condition that depends on diet, talk with your physician about the resources available to you.