‘We should all do it’: Utah Food Bank volunteer shares why it’s important to help others

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Last year, the Utah Food Bank distributed 65.5 million pounds of food to Utahns facing hunger.  Many of those meals were delivered directly to those who needed them by individuals like Bob Barr, who has been making monthly deliveries for 30 years.

ABC4 joined Bob and his wife Jane during one of their deliveries. Going through a section of the Salt Lake City warehouse, the couple gathered groceries for the people they would visit.  It’s the basics — bread, milk, cheese — but it’s the basics that are needed.

“No matter what neighborhood you live in, no matter what part of the state you live in, you don’t have to look very far to find somebody who can use a little help.  We should all do it, give them a little help,” Bob said.

While Jane was Bob’s co-pilot this trip, sometimes a neighbor, or grandchild, instead will sit in the passenger seat during these deliveries.

Bob explained why he likes to bring his family with him to deliveries.

“You need to show them that’s a part of life. It’s something that I hope many people would not consider optional.  It simply is something that has to be done,” he said.

If you ask Bob, he will tell you these deliveries aren’t that big of a deal, it’s the least he can do, but for the people he visits, it’s a great service.

Bob thinks all of us can and should help, saying, “If 20% of the population gave 1% of their time to donate – 99% of the problems on the Earth will be resolved.  I feel it’s an obligation.”

If you would like to help the Utah Food Bank they will take your food, time, or money.  You can donate at the Utah Food Bank website.

To share stories of kindness in your community, email us actsofkindness@abc4.com.