Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- The Tri-City Exchange in North Ogden is reporting a surge in demand for food ahead of the holidays.
- Founder Mike Larson highlighted needs for canned goods and cash donations.
NORTH OGDEN — As the holiday season approaches, a northern Utah food pantry is seeing a dramatic increase in demand, prompting an urgent call for help.
Tri-City Exchange operates with an open-door policy. Anyone can get help, with no questions asked. But founder Mike Larson said the need for food assistance has surged in recent weeks, especially among federal worker families.
"Last week, it was three-quarters of a mile for about two and a half hours," Larson said, describing the line of people waiting for food. "And then it got down to about a half a mile."
The pantry typically serves around 1,600 families each Friday. Last week, that number jumped to more than 2,300. Larson says they're preparing for similar numbers again this week, with distribution from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday.
But with more families in need and the holidays fast approaching, the pantry is facing new challenges. "The canned vegetables that go with the dinners — we have none," Larson said. "(We've) surpassed what is available. So we do need help."
He's asking for nonperishable food items, especially canned goods, or cash donations. "I mean, even a can of soup, you may not think much about it, but you're giving hope," he said.
Larson emphasized that food insecurity can affect anyone. "If you're making $15,000 a year and you miss a paycheck, your bills aren't getting paid. If you're making $200,000 a year and you miss a paycheck, your bills aren't getting paid."
As Thanksgiving nears, the pantry is already working on preparations, but it'll need more help to meet the growing demand.
Donations can be dropped off at Tri-City Exchange's warehouse, at 623 E. 2550 North in North Ogden. Financial donations* can also be made there, or through Venmo at @TriCityExchange.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
