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- calendar_today October 12, 2026
Annual University of Utah Food Drive Underway
The University of Utah has launched its annual Tackling Hunger Together food drive, aiming to set a new fundraising record and provide critical support to families experiencing food insecurity across Utah. With the campaign now in progress, organizers are urging the community to contribute and help surpass last year's total.
Campaign Goal: 100,000 Meals for Utah Families
Last year, the Tackling Hunger Together campaign raised approximately $13,000. This year, organizers have established an ambitious goal of providing 100,000 meals through food drive donations, all of which will benefit the Utah Food Bank. Collection bins for canned goods are already filling up at participating Smith’s Food Collection locations, reflecting strong community engagement in the early days of the drive.
Leadership and Community Service at the Core
Kris Bosman, chief alumni officer at the University of Utah, highlighted the food drive as a reflection of the university's ongoing commitment to supporting the community. "We just care about the community, and we want to do something to give back to what's given us so much," Bosman said.
The event is organized annually by the University of Utah Student Alumni Board, offering students a valuable opportunity to develop leadership skills and foster university spirit. Bosman noted, "It's a time of the year when spirit is really high. We're excited about football. We're excited about all of our fall sports and school being back in session. And these students get a great leadership opportunity to just really, provide really great service and build more excitement in the community for the University of Utah."
Ways to Donate: Smith’s Locations and Utah Football Games
Fans and community members are encouraged to donate at select Smith’s stores or at University of Utah home football games. Donation opportunities will be available before the games on October 24 and November 7, with collection points set up at tailgate lots and Rice-Eccles Stadium. Those unable to attend the games can continue to support the food drive at participating Salt Lake City Smith’s locations through November 9.
Growing Demand for Food Assistance in Utah
Bosman emphasized that the demand for food assistance continues to rise in Utah, affecting not only the broader community but also university students who sometimes experience hunger. "Every year, the need grows, and it's not just the community; it's our students too that share sometimes issues with hunger. So we really want to support everybody," Bosman said.
All proceeds from the campaign are directed to the Utah Food Bank. Ginette Bott, president and CEO of the Utah Food Bank, stressed that even small donations can make an impact. "If you think of your family, what it takes for you to do one meal, if you can donate those two or three cans and duplicate what you're doing for your family, then you've provided for another," Bott explained. She also praised the involvement of university students, saying their participation stands out in furthering the mission of hunger relief.
Community Support and Campaign Evolution
The campaign recently received a boost when Smith’s presented a $2,500 donation to help reach the food drive's target. Community members are encouraged to continue contributing through the available collection points.
Previously known as the Rivalry Food Drive—a competition between the University of Utah and BYU—the event has evolved to focus on a broader, united effort to address hunger as a community. Organizers now emphasize collaborative support for families in need across Utah.
For more information on how to contribute, visit the Utah Alumni - Food Drive: Tackling Hunger Together page.
Source: fox13now.com.
