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Cache County Food Pantry shares inspiring success stories amid rising food insecurity

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/06 .. success-stories-amid-rising-food-insecurity.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 2:16 GMT by fox13now
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Cache County Food Pantry Turns Rising Food Insecurity Into Inspiring Success Stories

By [Your Name] – Fox 13 News Research Correspondent

In the heart of Cache County, a quiet but powerful movement is turning the tide against food insecurity. Local residents, volunteers, and partners have harnessed the power of the new “Zero Hunger Hero” initiative to keep families fed and hope alive, even as the region’s food insecurity rates rise. A recent feature on Fox13Now chronicles how the Cache County Food Pantry (CCFP) has become a beacon of resilience, sharing stories that underscore the impact of community collaboration and innovative outreach.

Rising Food Insecurity in Cache County

The article opens with a stark picture of Cache County’s food environment. According to the most recent USDA Food Security Survey, approximately 12% of households in Cache County are currently experiencing some form of food insecurity—a number that has grown by nearly three percent over the past year. The pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and a local labor shortage have all contributed to higher prices and tighter budgets. While the county’s median household income remains above the national average, a growing segment of residents—particularly single parents and seniors—are struggling to put enough food on their tables.

County officials are taking notice. Cache County Commissioner Lisa Smith highlighted that the CCFP now serves over 2,000 families monthly, a figure that represents a 25% increase since the start of the pandemic. Yet, Smith notes, “We’re seeing more families coming in with limited resources, and it’s a sign that we need to expand our services.”

The Zero Hunger Hero Program

To help meet this urgent need, the county partnered with Utah’s Zero Hunger Hero program—a statewide initiative designed to encourage people to donate food and money to local food banks and pantries via a simple online app. In the Fox13Now piece, a local resident named Maria Hernandez—a single mother of two—shared how the program saved her family. “I downloaded the Zero Hunger Hero app last month,” Hernandez said. “I was able to add my small grocery budget into the program, and the pantry provided me with a $100 voucher for fresh produce.”

The app works by linking donor contributions to a network of partner agencies, including the Cache County Food Pantry. Donations can be made via credit card, PayPal, or a direct transfer to the pantry’s account. The CCFP’s volunteer coordinator, Jason Lee, emphasized that the program has not only increased financial contributions but also boosted volunteer sign‑ups. “Since launching Zero Hunger Hero, we’ve seen a 30% uptick in volunteers,” Lee reports.

Success Stories at the Pantry

The feature includes several heart‑warming testimonials that illustrate how food assistance goes beyond meals. One such story is that of Eddie and Linda Thompson, a retired couple who were on the brink of losing their home when the pantry’s “Community Kitchen” program stepped in. The pantry’s kitchen provided a weekly meal prep class that taught the Thompsons how to make nutritious, budget‑friendly dishes. “Now we know how to stretch every dollar,” Linda shares. “We’re not just surviving—we’re thriving.”

Another highlight involves The Bright Futures Program—a partnership between the CCFP and the Cache County School District that distributes fresh fruit and lunch boxes to students in low‑income families. As the article notes, over 1,200 children have received daily fruit packs since the program’s inception. The impact is measurable: teachers report higher engagement in classrooms and parents note that their children are no longer arriving at school hungry.

The pantry also offers a “Food for Education” series, which has garnered praise from local colleges. Students from Cache Valley College volunteer monthly, helping with bagging, sorting, and outreach. One student, Sarah Kim, explains that the experience has given her a “real sense of purpose.” “When I see how these services directly impact families, I understand the importance of community service.”

Community Partnerships and Corporate Support

The article highlights several local partners that amplify the pantry’s impact. Cache County Farmers’ Market has donated fresh produce on a regular basis, ensuring that the pantry’s offerings are both diverse and nutritious. Additionally, Smith’s Grocery Store, a longtime community staple, has pledged an annual donation of $5,000 to the pantry, along with a volunteer lunch special that benefits CCFP families.

A major boost came from TechStart, Inc., a regional tech firm that supplied a custom mobile app to streamline food requests and improve inventory tracking. This tech upgrade has cut distribution times by 15%, allowing more families to receive assistance during peak hours.

Volunteer and Community Engagement

Beyond financial contributions, the CCFP has seen a surge in volunteerism, a trend highlighted by the article. In 2023 alone, volunteers logged over 5,000 hours, according to the pantry’s data. These volunteers handle everything from sorting donations to leading the “Kids Cook” workshops—interactive cooking sessions for children that promote healthy eating habits.

The pantry’s volunteer coordinator, Jason Lee, shares that the Zero Hunger Hero app also acts as a recruitment platform. “Volunteers often start by making a small donation, then become more involved,” he says. “The app helps us identify people who are already invested and then match them to roles that fit their schedules.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Services

The Fox13Now article concludes with a look at the pantry’s next steps. With rising food insecurity rates, the CCFP is planning to launch a mobile pantry that will serve underserved neighborhoods, particularly the eastern part of Cache County, where transportation barriers are most pronounced. In addition, the pantry is exploring a partnership with local health providers to offer Nutrition Education Clinics that address food insecurity’s long‑term health effects.

County Commissioner Lisa Smith expressed optimism: “We are proud of what we have achieved together, but we’re not stopping. We’ll continue to adapt, expand, and keep the food shelves full.”

A Call to Action

The feature ends with a powerful message: “Zero Hunger Hero” is not just a slogan—it’s a movement that starts with each of us.” The CCFP invites residents to download the Zero Hunger Hero app, donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word. By leveraging technology, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to care, Cache County is turning a growing challenge into an inspiring story of collective resilience.

For more information on how to get involved or to learn about upcoming events, visit the Cache County Food Pantry website or the Zero Hunger Hero portal. Together, we can keep hunger out of our community and keep hope in our hearts.