Associated Food Stores (AFS) and its network of independent retail partners helped drive the success of the 2026 Feed Utah Food Drive, collecting 165,443 pounds of food — more than half of the total donations gathered during the statewide hunger-relief campaign.
The fifth annual food drive, held in March, brought together businesses, community organizations and residents across Utah to support families facing food insecurity. According to the Utah Food Bank, hunger remains a significant challenge in the state, affecting one in five children and approximately 445,000 Utahns.
AFS, a cooperatively owned wholesale distributor, coordinated collection efforts across its retail network, with Associated Retail Operations stores joining Lee’s Marketplace, Bella’s Market, Davis Food & Drug, Peterson’s Fresh Market and Stewart’s Marketplace as community donation sites. Customers were encouraged to contribute nonperishable food items throughout the campaign, helping stock food banks and pantries serving communities across the state.
In addition to serving as collection points, AFS’ wholesale distribution team played an active role in the effort. Company drivers donated additional time and resources to help transport and deliver food to local pantries, ensuring donations reached families in need.
“We appreciate the many team members at retail and wholesale who made this effort possible,” said Sarah Pettit, Director of Public Affairs for AFS.
The food drive aligns with AFS’ broader commitment to supporting the communities served by its member retailers and addressing food insecurity through local partnerships and charitable initiatives.
“Our mission reflects a deep commitment to the communities we serve, especially those who face food insecurity,” Pettit said. “Together, through the 2026 Feed Utah Food Drive, we helped feed families in our communities.
“I am grateful to the many store teams, as well as our AFS drivers who contributed extra time and resources to help stock local food pantries. What we are doing is making a difference.”
The results underscore the role independent grocers continue to play in community support efforts, particularly as food banks across the country face increased demand. By leveraging its retail footprint and distribution network, AFS was able to contribute a significant share of the food collected during this year’s campaign, helping strengthen hunger-relief efforts throughout Utah.
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