Pantry Packs

Pantry Packs

Why Pantry Packs?

Childhood Hunger in Utah

  • Each night in Utah, 1 in 9 children is at risk of going to bed hungry [source: Utah Food Bank]
  • Davis county has nearly 16,000 students (more than 20%) who qualify for free and reduced lunch
  • When children are hungry, it’s difficult for them to learn, behave appropriately, or stay healthy

The Pantry Pack program alleviates hunger for our most at-risk children by providing meals and snacks for the weekends when school meals are not available to them.

The pantry works closely with Davis School District, who distributes these packs, and individual charter schools.

Who gets Pantry Packs?

We provide approximately 3400 Pantry Packs to students across more than 80 schools throughout Davis County each week.

What are Pantry Packs?

Packs are filled with two meals, two breakfasts, snacks and drinks – all of which can be prepared by young children.

Want to get involved?

There are numerous ways to support this program, but first a few lessons learned that are important to note:

  • Consistency between packs and from week to week is very important.
  • Items should be packed in a specific way so that items are not damaged when transported to schools.
  • Advance coordination with the pantry is necessary to ensure:
    • Standard and effective packaging
    • Transportation of the packs to the pantry is arranged if they are assembled off site

Ways to contribute

  • Donate items used to create Pantry Packs
    • Individual microwavable meals, 7-8 oz (eg Mac 'n Cheese, spaghetti & meatballs, chicken & rice)
    • Applesauce cups or fruit cups
    • Pudding cups (shelf stable)
    • Juice boxes or pouches
    • Instant oatmeal packets
    • Peanut butter crackers or cheese & crackers (individual size)
    • Granola bars
    • Fruit snacks (individual size)
    • Child-friendly card with positive message or game
  • Assemble Pantry Packs during family night at the pantry (click here to sign up)
  • Donate money designated for Pantry Packs via check or online
  • Organize an event to assemble packs with your neighborhood, classroom, church group, or family (view KUTV segment for ideas)

Learn more about Pantry Packs by checking out some of these videos. If you decide you would like to take on a Pantry Pack project, please complete this form.

During the FY22, we distributed 95,000 Pantry Packs to children through more than 80 schools within Davis County.