Utah Food Bank has been feeding hungry families in our community for over 117 years. Before the pandemic, 1 in 8 people faced food insecurity. Because of COVID-19 and associated economic crises, that number has increased to 1 in 6 — many who have never had to use a food bank before. Unfortunately, we believe this trend will continue for some time.
The pandemic hasn’t just increased need; it has fundamentally altered how we operate. We have had to dramatically decrease the amount of volunteers we accept while increasing the amount of food distributed. Mobile pantries have become a drive-thru operation. Many food drives and events have been canceled or moved to a virtual platform.
We need support now more than ever. Thankfully, many in the community have stepped up to help. We also have new partners in the battle against hunger in Utah like the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation. Food insecurity is a significant concern for overall health and wellness and is closely connected to oral health.
Several studies have examined the relationship between food insecurity and dental caries, which is the condition that causes tooth decay. All have found a strong link between the two. In Utah, more than 65% of children have had dental caries, and in Salt Lake City more than 11% of adults age 65 or older have lost all of their natural teeth. While many potential causes can account for those numbers, we cannot ignore food insecurity as being among them.
At a basic level, if you don’t have teeth or your mouth is in chronic pain from untreated dental issues, eating becomes a difficult task. Many food banks, including the Utah Food Bank, understand this and work with experts to offer softer or more accessible food options for seniors or others with poor oral health.
Food insecurity and poor oral health are deeply intertwined and affect communities across Utah, but we can fight both together. The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation has awarded the Utah Food Bank $25,000 to help support the vital work of feeding hungry families this holiday season. Join us in providing food for your neighbors in need. Someone you know may be struggling and may not know where to turn for help or be too embarrassed to ask.
If you’ve been spared the economic fallout from this pandemic, please consider making a donation. For every dollar you give to the Utah Food Bank, it creates $8.03 worth goods and services. If you need help putting food on the table, we are here for you, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. For information about how to support or access our services, visit: www.utahfoodbank.org.
This has been a challenging year for our community, our country and the world. This crisis will end, and we will get through it by coming together.
We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season.
Ginette Bott - Utah Food Bank
Ginette Bott, Salt Lake City, is the president and CEO of the Utah Food Bank, distributing food across the state.
Kenzie Ferguson
Kenzie Ferguson, San Francisco, is vice president for foundation and corporate social responsibility at Delta Dental of California and its affiliates.
