Donations are always appreciated at Uintah Basin Food Pantries. Recently Kim Lamb, the Community Services Director for the Uintah Basin Association of Governments, made a presentation about the Uintah Basin’s Food Pantries during the Vernal Chamber luncheon. There are currently pantries located in Vernal, Roosevelt, Duchesne and Manila. Each pantry receives food from various sources including the Utah Food Bank whose truck comes twice a month, local donors and local food drives, grocery rescue program (items from local grocery stores which have been pulled from shelves because close to sell by or best by date), and FEMA funding which helps buy turkeys and hams for the holidays. The pantries accept items that are up to five (5) years past expiration day or best by date with the exception of items with milk base, milk products, fruits or tomato based which are usable up to 18 months past date. They can accept fresh produce from the garden and meats that are delivered from the butcher shop, but not meat from an individual’s home or fresh grown eggs. Some of the items of particular need are Chili, Beef Stew, Soups, Peanut Butter, Hamburger Helper, Instant Potatoes, Tuna and Evaporated Milk, and any items that are a meal without a lot of extra ingredients. They also accept personal hygiene items such as shampoo, soaps, lotions, tooth paste, and toothbrushes. Donations can be dropped off at any pantry during its regular business hours. Normally individuals visit the Food Pantry and select needed items, like a grocery store but, due to the pandemic, they are providing curbside service. There is a program that provides a monthly box of food items designed to provide one meal a day and is available to low income households with income under 200% of the Federal Poverty Rate. Based on gross income in the past 30 days and number in the household, once applicants are approved, they are eligible for one year.
