A shipment of essential food supplies arrived in Rexburg this morning, bringing much-needed relief to families facing food insecurity.
Boxes of nonperishable food, donated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and supplied by its Deseret Mill and Pasta Plant in Kaysville, Utah, were delivered to the Family Crisis Center as part of ongoing efforts to support local residents in need.
Since 1987, the Family Crisis Center has served the Rexburg community by providing shelter, legal assistance, a thrift store and a food bank for individuals and families in crisis. Last year, the food bank helped 2,872 people. The center also offers weekly women’s and children’s support groups, individual counseling and referrals, community education and public awareness programs.
“Our mission is to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking—helping them heal through the trauma they’ve experienced and providing the necessary resources they need,” Ally Owens, the center’s public awareness coordinator, said.
Owens explained that donations like this shipment are critical, especially when local food rescue programs from stores like Albertsons and Walmart aren’t enough to meet the demand.
Deliveries like these are made possible by drivers such as Lars Shively, an over-the-road truck driver with Deseret Transportation. Shively has been delivering food for the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Department for more than 20 years.
“Sometimes we’re delivering to food banks, and the people unloading the food are the very people who will be taking two or three grocery bags home to care for their family,” Shively said. “Giving them a hand up helps them believe in themselves, and that is so rewarding to see in action.”
He said it’s meaningful to watch communities come together to ensure families have what they need.
“This is an absolutely amazing process,” Shively said. “Bringing food to people is such a rewarding opportunity that I have. We see people walking up and down the street, and we care for each one of them.”
The Family Crisis Center distributes food boxes every Wednesday for seniors and every Friday for the broader community to help families make ends meet.
To learn more about the Family Crisis Center, visit their website.