A few weeks ago, we nearly lost our kitchen space. We narrowly avoided losing it but we did take a hit that destabilized our work. The individual that owns the building we work out of decided to shut down our Free Lunch Program. They did this because the didn’t want people experiencing homelessness to pick up meals from us on site. They succeeded in shutting us down. We were forced to move our Free Lunch Program elsewhere temporarily. This isn’t the first time we’ve had interruptions to our work from people who don’t understand the importance of supporting people experiencing food insecurity, and it won’t be the last.
In order to do more impactful work, we need agency over our space. We need a physical location we own and operate where no one can turn away the people we serve.
In our location we will create a space where everyone is respected and treated with dignity regardless of income, background, or zip code.
We often receive requests to host large groups from academic institutions and corporations throughout the Wasatch front. Unfortunately, we have to decline 90% of requests because our current kitchen space only allows us five volunteers at a time. A larger space of our own would allow us to spread our work far and wide with many different groups so that we may collectively provide food security for all Utahns.
This fundraiser is off to a great start because we have a building sponsor! We are working with a private donor who will be purchasing a building where we will have our own designated space. The funds raised here will help us build out a kitchen. And not just any kitchen but a space where we can host more volunteers and invite in more of the community!
Today you are investing in food sovereignty.
Today you are investing in community connection.
Today you are investing in nutrition accessibility.
Today you are investing in a safe space where all are welcomed, all are fed and all are treated with dignity and respect.