Lin’s donates $20,000 in groceries to Utah Tech University’s food pantry for students in need

In support of students, Lin’s grocery store donated $20,000 in groceries to Utah Tech University’s Blazer Food Pantry, meeting the pantry’s need of nonperishable food for the remainder of the 2024-25 academic year. 

“This remarkable contribution will not only meet immediate needs but will also have a lasting impact on the well-being of our student community,” Dru Bottoms, director of the Utah Tech Student Resource Center, said. “The donation provides essential nonperishable food items that will stock the University’s pantry for the remainder of the academic year. These resources are critical in supporting students who may otherwise face food insecurity, allowing them to focus on their education and personal growth without the added burden of wondering where their next meal will come from.” 

The gift was made possible through Lin’s Harvest of Hope fundraiser, in which customers of all Washington County stores gave additional funds while purchasing groceries. 

“As a local grocer, Lin’s strives to serve its communities outside of just selling food,” Steve Holm, Lin’s district manager, said. “This year, we had the unique opportunity to expand our reach to local college students at Utah Tech through our partnership with Utah Tech Athletics. Lin’s understands that many students face financial hardship, directly affecting food insecurity. In order to help those with the greatest needs in our communities, Lin’s decided to donate to Utah Tech for Giving Tuesday.” 

Staffed by student employees, Blazer Food Pantry includes a refrigerator and freezer, so the pantry can offer essentials like dairy, produce, and proteins in addition to nonperishable items. Additionally, the pantry offers an on online order form, so students can quickly and confidentially order and pick up needed items. 

“We have loved partnering with Utah Tech and look forward to many more years of support,” Holm said. “Thank you to everyone who put in the time and effort to make this possible. Here’s to ‘trailblazing’ the future by helping those in need this holiday season.”