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Whitney González Fernández
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Salt Lake City Council Launches Citywide Holiday Food Drive to Support Residents in Need

Residents are invited to donate non-perishable items or contribute online Dec. 8-21.

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 8, 2025 – The Salt Lake City Council is kicking off a two-week holiday food drive to help address food insecurity across the city in collaboration with the Food Justice Coalition, a local nonprofit organization. From Monday, Dec. 8, through Sunday, Dec. 21, residents can donate non-perishable food items at collection sites in every Council district or make a monetary donation online.

“Food insecurity affects thousands of families across Salt Lake City, and community support can make a real difference,” said Council Chair Chris Wharton. “This food drive is an easy way for all of us to help our neighbors and support the organizations working hard to provide meals during the holiday season.”

The Food Justice Coalition has served over 39,000 meals in the last two years through volunteer-powered programs like the Free Lunch Program and annual Christmas Dinner for unsheltered residents.

“Food is one of the most basic needs we all share,” said District 4 Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez. “By donating a few items or giving online, we can help lift some of the burden on families who are struggling. Every contribution counts.”

Residents can donate online to the Food Justice Coalition or drop non-perishable food items at any district collection site. A list of accepted items is available here. Direct monetary donations are preferred as they help food banks buy items in bulk for lower prices. According to Utah Food Bank, every dollar donated can be turned into $7.23 in goods and services for families in need.

“Collaborations like this show what’s possible when a city chooses to care for one another,” said Food Justice Coalition Founder and CEO Jeanette Padilla Vega. “Partnering with the Salt Lake City Council strengthens the network that ensures no family goes without a meal. Our Free Lunch Program proves how community-supported nourishment changes lives, and this effort expands that impact. When neighbors come together across districts, food access becomes not a privilege, but a shared commitment.”

Collection Locations by District

• District 1: Northwest Recreation Center (1255 West Clark Avenue)
• District 2: Sorenson Unity Center (1383 S 900 W)*
• District 3: Publik Avenues (502 3rd Ave)
• District 4: City Hall (451 S State St) & Alta Club (100 E S Temple St)
• District 5: SpyHop (208 West Harvey Milk Blvd)
• District 6: Dan’s Market (1360 S Foothill Dr) & Parley’s Way Macey’s (2040 S 2300 E)
• District 7: The Neighborhood Hive (2065 E 2100 S) & Sugar House Macey’s (1638 S 900 E)
• Additional location: Olympus Macey’s (3981 South Wasatch Dr)

*Donations for the District 2 drop-off site will be directed to the Utah Food Bank.

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About Salt Lake City:
Salt Lake City Corporation is the municipal government for Utah’s capital city. The Mayor is the chief executive and the City Council is the legislative body. Committed to providing outstanding public services, fostering community engagement, and promoting innovation, Salt Lake City Corporation is dedicated to creating a city that thrives and reflects the values of its diverse residents. For more information, visit slc.gov.

About The Salt Lake City Council:  

The Salt Lake City Council is the seven-member legislative branch of Utah’s capital city. The Council sets Salt Lake City’s overall policy direction and allocates resources via the adoption of annual budgets and ordinances. The Council also serves as the Board of Directors for Salt Lake City’s Redevelopment Agency, the Local Building Authority, and the Board of Canvassers. For more information, visit slc.gov/Council.