Utah Shakespeare Festival Fall Food Drive Exceeds Expectations, Donates 2000+ Pounds

This fall, the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s annual Fall Food Drive brought a sense of generosity and community spirit, with patrons donating over a literal ton of food to Iron County Care and Share. From September 10 to October 5, theater-goers could support this effort by donating six items of nonperishable food in exchange for a half-price ticket to a festival performance. The drive drew participation from southern Utah and eastern Nevada, with donations coming from residents in Iron, Washington, Kane, Garfield, Piute, and Beaver counties in Utah and Lincoln County in Nevada.

In total, more than 2,000 pounds of food were collected. This support is vital as food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Iron County and beyond. With living costs rising, many individuals and families struggle to meet basic needs, and food pantries are seeing increased demand. In Utah, nearly 10% of residents face food insecurity, according to Feeding America, with rural counties often experiencing higher levels of need. Food drives like the Festival’s help supplement emergency food supplies for local families while creating a bridge to other essential services.

Since 1984, Iron County Care and Share has addressed this need in Cedar City, initially founded by a coalition of churches to provide food assistance to those struggling. Today, the organization supports low-income individuals and families across the region, also offering shelter and resources to promote self-sufficiency. It relies heavily on both donations and community partnerships to fund its mission, assisting thousands annually.

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The food drive not only benefits Care and Share’s pantry but also serves as a reminder of the festival’s commitment to the local community. Executive Managing Director Michael Bahr acknowledged the continued generosity of Festival patrons, noting that this annual tradition has made a positive impact on countless lives. For those wishing to contribute further, Iron County Care and Share continues to accept both food and monetary donations at its Cedar City location.