Murray Children's Pantry seeing surge in demand as families brace for federal food aid cutoff

MURRAY— Managers of a food pantry serving as a lifeline for families and individuals in Murray say they're seeing an ongoing rise in people needing their services.

Jim Brass, president of the Murray Children's Pantry, says they're on track in 2025 to nearly double the amount of food boxes they handed out last year.

Brass said in 2024, the pantry distributed around 112,000 meals to families and individuals in need — they anticipate that number to exceed 200,000 meals this year.

"And we're not talking the homeless here," he said. "These are people who are living in apartments — unfortunately, some may be living in their car temporarily — but it's medical debt, it's being laid off now with the shutdown and it's rent increases."

For over five years, the Murray Children's Pantry has been a vital resource for those in need of assistance in the community.

Brass said the meal boxes are packed to feed a family of four for a week

"So there's three meals a day for seven days for four people, or 84 meals," he explained.

Brass said they also provide individuals with donated personal hygiene products and clothing.

The pantry currently serves those in need once a week on Tuesdays and on the third Saturday of each month — or by appointment.

Brass stated that the number of individuals and families seeking assistance has increased year after year. He noted that in the pantry's first year, it handed out roughly 35,000 meals; that number grew to 50,000 in the second year, and 70,000 meals the following year of operation.

The Murray Children's Pantry opens for two hours, from 10 a.m. until noon on Tuesdays. During that time, Brass said it's averaging around 60 boxes of food being handed out.

"A 40-box average will put us at over 200,000 meals this year," he said. "We did 112,000 (meal boxes) last year, and (we) thought that was a lot. And right now, we're running at a 60 average now."

Brass said the pantry relies solely on donations from local organizations and individuals — as well as volunteers.

With the ongoing government shutdown, tens of thousands of Utah families could lose federal food assistance starting on Nov. 1. That, combined with rising costs at the grocery store and increasing housing prices, means the pantry is beginning to worry about running out of food.

Related:

86,000 Utah families could lose food benefits. Will the state cover the cost?

The government shutdown could impact $33 million in Utah SNAP benefits.

On Wednesday, the Murray Children's Pantry took to social media to further illustrate the dire need.

"We had a record day yesterday. The loss of SNAP benefits, the shutdown and people losing jobs, and the loss of food stamps is harming people and driving them to seek assistance. Some are doing it for the first time, and are struggling with the idea that they have to ask for help," the Facebook post reads.

As uncertainty begins to set in for Utahns who could be impacted by the loss of federal support, the Murray Children's Pantry worries about being able to handle any further demand than what its already seeing.

"Right now, we're holding on; you know, the line (of individuals) is pretty steady — but it won't take much (more than handing out) another 10 boxes, and that can change everything," Brass said.

The Murray Children's Pantry says the need for donations is greater than ever, and it's calling on community members for their support through money or food donations.

Brass said while he fears for the pantry's financial future, he doesn't anticipate any permanent closures.

"I don't think we'll ever disappear — we may have to shut down for a little bit to get some more money back; but that's my biggest concern," he said.

Brass added "what bothers me about that is there's all these people who count on us, and so we kind of need to be there."

Brass said 98% of financial contributions go toward restocking the pantry with food, while the remainder goes toward utilities costs and insurance.

Food donations are also welcomed; nonperishable canned goods, pancake mix and oatmeal, among other items, are accepted, as listed on the pantry's website. The pantry also provides birthday cake kits for children's birthdays.

Although the organization is called the Murray Children's Pantry, Brass said no one in need is turned away.

"People should not be going hungry, not in this state, not in this country," he said. "And so if someone tells us they need food, they're going to get it."

The Murray Children's Pantry is located at 170 E. 5770 South in Murray.

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