Resource Preservation During the Holidays
Inflation is on the rise and all families are finding that their dollars are not stretching as far. Rising costs can be felt in housing, food, gas and clothes, as well as in many other areas.
Whether the need is clothes, warm coats, food, holiday meals, or Christmas help, this article will help fill your toolbox with resources.
Volunteers at Food Pantries report that they are seeing more and more families that have never utilized their support before reaching out for the first time, some families even reporting that they were once in a position to donate and now are grateful for donations.
There is no shame in practicing Resource Preservation.
For example, finding an agency that offers gas vouchers is challenging! However, finding food pantries is relatively easy. Pantries reliably have staples like canned goods, dry goods, and peanut butter. How much would be left in your grocery budget if you didn’t have to purchase these items? If you can utilize food banks/pantries, coat drives, holiday meal giveaways, buy nothing groups etc, you may be more likely to have the needed cash on hand for gas. There are resources to help pay for utilities and rent relief as well.
Many people have heard about 211, but did you know that there is an APP?
The Utah 211 APP is available on both Apple and Android. The app will list all of the known formal resources in your area in many categories.
If you have specific questions related to your situation, please call us at Utah Family Voices. We would be happy to brainstorm with you on solutions.
Additional ways to fill the need.
- School Social Workers
- Some schools have Santa Sacks, Turkey donations, Coats and Clothes/Shoes available for those in need.
- Local Churches or community groups
- Facebook Groups, look for Current Needs, Revolving Closets, Buy Nothing type groups.
- Buy nothing groups often offer household items, food, clothes, etc
- Local Non-profits
- Some nonprofits have small giving tree-type programs
- Friends and family –
- Organize a toy swap for items your kids have outgrown or lost interest.
- Ask for and Offer “hand-me-downs”
- Organize a freezer meal swap!
- Little Pantry Project ( also look for Little Libraries in your area)
- Learn how to cook from ingredients on hand- get creative!
- “Shelf Cooking” vs using formal recipes can save money!!
- Learn to cook with raw or basic ingredients like dry beans, powdered milk, rice, oats, whole turkeys, etc.
