As the holiday season approaches and the cost of living remains high, the Murray Children’s Pantry (170 E. 5770 South) is experiencing a pronounced surge in demand even as community support holds steady. President Jim Brass said the nonprofit is preparing for some of its busiest months yet and is calling on local residents and organizations to step up.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in need. Last year, we sent out the equivalent of 112,500 meals. This year we are on track to go over 200,000,” Brass said. The numbers reflect a near-doubling in demand and come as families confront escalating housing costs, medical debt and shrinking federal aid.

Food boxes await distribution to families. (Photo courtesy of Murray Children’s Pantry)

Indeed, recent news coverage indicates that food pantries across Utah are bracing for increased strain. The pantry anticipates distributing over 200,000 meals this year. At the same time, the state legislature has pledged up to $4 million to food banks as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faces funding uncertainty. 

Brass pointed out how the marketplace pressures translate into the pantry’s operations. “On Oct. 28, we sent our 84 food boxes. Our previous record was 70. This translates to 8,000 meals in two hours.” He explained that each box is designed to feed a family of four for one week. The rise in demand has been especially noticeable on distribution days.

Nevertheless, Brass said that donation levels remain stable for now. “Donations continue to be good. With the demand we are seeing, we always need donations of shelf stable foods or money. We haven’t seen shortages of anything yet,” Brass said. Despite that reassurance, he emphasized the importance of ongoing support if the trend continues.

Murray Children’s Pantry is on track to give out over 200,000 meals. (Photo courtesy of Murray Children’s Pantry)

Volunteer efforts and community partnerships are central to the pantry’s ability to respond. “We have been blessed with exceptional volunteers. We have a strong core of regulars, and a constant stream of new people wanting to help. On days where we may be short, the Murray Chamber comes in to give us a hand,” Brass said. Local churches, schools and civic groups such as Murray Rotary and Murray Stakes have held food drives and other initiatives. “All the groups you mention have helped with food drives this year. Murray Stakes, Murray Rotary, McMillan Elementary and various neighborhoods and businesses have collected large amounts of food for us,” he added.

Brass stressed that many of the families served by the pantry are quietly working, employed and doing their best—but the combination of shrinking incomes and rising costs has left them in need. “While some of the people we serve may be homeless, the vast majority are not. They are your neighbors,” he said. “The people we see all are working hard to keep up, but circumstances have put them in a position of need. Some of the biggest issues are increasing rent and medical debt due to catastrophic illnesses.” 

Looking ahead to the coming year, Brass shares both a concern and a hope. Drawing on his experience as a longtime community leader, he said, “I would love to see our elected representatives spend time at our pantry or any of the others.…We need to do better on housing, and we need to think very hard about how we spend our tax dollars. Raising taxes even a little bit, has a huge negative impact on the people we serve.”

As the holidays draw near and pantry demand continues to grow, the Murray Children’s Pantry remains open and ready—depending on the generosity and engagement of the community. Brass noted that while there are no new specific programs launching at the moment, “we will always be grateful to anyone who wishes to help.”

Residents interested in supporting the pantry can donate shelf-stable foods, financial contributions or volunteer time. To donate monetarily visit
murraychildrenspantry.org. Food items can be dropped off at 170 E. 5770 South.