Serving With Love at the Utah Foodbank: Salt Lake City, UT
In the spirit of Sathya Sai Baba’s teaching, “Hands that help are holier than lips that pray,” members from the Sathya Sai Center of Salt Lake City, together with community members, joined hands for a day of loving service at the Utah Food Bank. The activity, held on July 19, 2025, brought together 15 inspired volunteers, including many young adults eager to serve.
The Utah Food Bank, founded in 1904, is the state’s primary distribution hub for hunger relief. With 415,000 Utahns—including one in six children—unsure of where their next meal is coming from, its mission of “Fighting Hunger Statewide” is critical. Last year alone, the Food Bank distributed 54.6 million meals through a network of 270 partner agencies serving all 29 counties of Utah. In addition to these partnerships, the Food Bank also runs direct service programs for the state’s most vulnerable populations, including children and seniors.
Our team was blessed with the opportunity to assist in two important tasks. One group worked carefully sorting through large donation bags, setting aside any food that had spoiled from dampness, and then boxing the good ones into family-sized portions. Another group worked on measuring, sorting and packing beans into small portions that were then boxed up for distribution. These essential items will soon reach local pantries, shelters, and schools that serve thousands of children, seniors, and families facing food insecurity.
The energy in the warehouse was filled with camaraderie and joy. Young adults, parents, and long-time members of the Sathya Sai Baba Center of SLC, worked hand in hand, inspired by God’s call to “Love All, Serve All.” One volunteer reflected, “Working shoulder to shoulder with my fellow brothers and sisters to assist with feeding the hungry was a humbling experience. As part of this service, I came to understand the extent of need in our state and the importance of contributing one’s time to support community well-being.”
By the end of the session, the group had packed hundreds of pounds of food for distribution. The volunteers shared that the experience not only provided a chance to give back to the community but also served as a reminder of the deep spiritual fulfillment that comes through selfless service. Through this act of love, we were reminded once again that every act of service, whether small or large, carries the potential to relieve suffering and spread love. A meaningful antidote for all!